Roberto De Zerbi seems keen to still put his trust in youth at Tottenham Hotspur despite a busy record-breaking summer transfer window.
The Lilywhites have splashed the cash on three high-profile players, with Sandro Tonali becoming the club's record signing in a £100 million deal. A hefty £85m was spent on Mateus Fernandes, while Jan Paul van Hecke reunited with De Zerbi in a £52m deal.
Those three are set to be a major part of De Zerbi's plans to drive Spurs back into European contention next season. While there's been a big push for a rebuild, the Italian coach is still keen to turn to youth.
De Zerbi Tells Olusesi He's Staying
There has been some speculation over Callum Olusesi's future amid the 19-year-old missing out on a place in De Zerbi's 36-man squad for a pre-season tour in New Zealand. He had been linked with a permanent exit in January and Standard Sport reported that Hoffenheim and PSV Eindhoven were eyeing the English youngster.
The same outlet now claims that De Zerbi has informed Olusesi that he is part of his plans and is expected to stay and challenge for minutes. He made his Premier League and Champions League debut last season, featuring three times at senior level.
Olusesi is missing Spurs' trip to New Zealand as he recovers from an injury, but the versatile midfielder is one of several academy players who are set to compete for first-team minutes. Defender Jun’ai Byfield and Luca Williams-Barnett are also going nowhere, although the latter might not be ready for senior football.
De Zerbi's Lilywhites face Auckland FC, Sydney FC and Chelsea in the coming days during their pre-season tour. While Byfield wasn't included, Williams-Barnett was alongside new signings Tonali, Fernandes and Van Hecke.
Tottenham Building For Now and Future
Spurs needed to take immediate action in the current market after last season's relegation battle. They avoided the drop on the final day of a dismal campaign.
The torment of the past 12 months has been firmly put behind them with probably their most exciting transfer business since the magnificent seven in 2013. It was impossible for the higher-ups to continue targeting short-term fixes or bargain buys rather than elite players as they have.
That said, there remains a need to build for the future and that includes trusting in the youth academy. Olusesi, dubbed "great" by Ange Postecoglou, is one of the teenage prospects tipped for a bright future amid impressive displays for the U21s.
Spurs legend Jermain Defoe is a massive fan, and he believes the midfielder has "great potential." The iconic striker explained how he can play as a six, eight or even as a ten, and this analysis speaks volumes about why De Zerbi will be handing him opportunities.