LONDON — Omar Marmoush heading to Tottenham Hotspur was a surprise summer transfer, but on first viewing it looks like a perfect fit for everyone.
Spurs have to sort out the rest of their team and get Marmoush more service, of course, but the Egyptian forward looked sharp on his debut and knitted everything together very nicely in attack during a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday
It was clear that Marmoush was the main positive from Spurs’ disappointing defeat.
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He brought their other forwards into the game easily, made clever runs and passes, turned quickly to get Spurs going, and made a real difference whenever the ball was near him.
He peeled off to the back post and sent a difficult volley into the side-netting in the first half and then right at the start of the second half he nipped in front of Malick Thiaw and looked to have won a penalty kick but nothing was given.
With Spurs under pressure he charged towards goal, beat several defenders, and then sent a dipping shot from distance just wide of the post.
That got the home fans going and that is what Marmoush is all about.
Omar Marmoush looks a perfect fit for new club Tottenham Hotspur
Marmoush did have a good opportunity to score late on but saw a tough volleyed chance saved, but the overriding vibes from his debut are positive.
Spurs fans cheered his name loudly before the game and will walk away afterwards feeling very positive about his arrival, as he led the game in dribbles and was second to teammate Pedro Porro in shot attempts. His three created chances were also a joint game-high (Mateus Fernandes) and he was involved in 11 duels.
This style of football at Spurs suits Marmoush’s strengths much more than playing at Manchester City ever did.
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He is built to make the most of transition chances and De Zerbi’s pressing tactics will suit his reactionary instincts well.
Marmoush played the entire 90 minutes and was the main bright spark for Spurs as the rest of their attack was subbed off.
If they can find a way to get Marmoush more involved in games, Spurs have found their new bright spark in attack.
Marmoush is clearly going to be a hit. He now needs more of his Spurs teammates to step up and match his level.