After 375 long days on the sidelines, James Maddison is finally back—and just in time to make a difference for a Tottenham side fighting to stay in the Premier League.

The creative midfielder made his long-awaited return on Monday, coming off the bench in the 85th minute of Spurs' 1-1 draw against Leeds. While it was only a brief cameo, it was enough to remind everyone why he's so highly rated. In fact, he nearly won a stoppage-time penalty for his team.

Maddison's absence has been a massive blow for Tottenham. What started as a partial ACL tear last May turned into a full rupture during a pre-season friendly in August. Add that to a string of other injuries, and it's been a nightmare season for both the player and the club.

Speaking after the match, Maddison didn't sugarcoat things, calling the campaign "one to forget" for everyone involved. Spurs currently sit 17th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone with only two games left to play.

But here's the good news: Maddison is fit again, and he's ready to be that difference-maker Tottenham desperately needs. His former manager Daniel Farke—who coached him at Norwich—has no doubts about the impact he can make.

"I have a soft spot for James Maddison," Farke said. "If you love football, then you love James Maddison because he is a pure baller. For me, he is one of the most creative, gifted and talented midfield players in England."

Farke went on to praise Maddison's ability to produce decisive moments, even after such a long layoff: "What he has shown in the last few minutes, although he was out for such a long time, he can be there with a decisive pass, a decisive cross, or a decisive set-piece."

For Tottenham fans clinging to hope, Maddison's return couldn't come at a better time. A player of his quality—someone who can unlock defenses, win clever free kicks, and create chances out of nothing—could be exactly what they need to survive this relegation scrap.