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Tottenham’s January recruits – Mason Melia and James Wilson – made an immediate impact on Saturday, both getting on the scoresheet in a win for the U21s.

Tottenham supporters are still left wondering why the club did not strengthen more aggressively in the January transfer window.

Despite a growing injury list and several players underperforming, Spurs added only Conor Gallagher and Brazilian left-back Souza to the first team, with neither making a major impact so far.

There were even moments when former manager Igor Tudor was forced to name benches filled almost entirely with academy players. To his credit, the Croatian did give several of those youngsters minutes, even in important matches.

The academy itself, which won Premier League 2 in the 2023/24 season, has seen a dip after many key players moved out on loan.

However, there is still plenty of talent coming through, with names such as Callum Olusesi, James Rowswell and Luca Williams-Barnett continuing to impress.

Mason Melia and James Wilson score for Tottenham academy

Alongside the first-team arrivals, Tottenham also brought in two young attackers during the January window in Mason Melia and James Wilson.

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Melia had actually been signed earlier but officially joined this year due to registration rules, while Wilson arrived on loan from Hearts on deadline day, with an option to make the move permanent.

Both players were involved in the academy clash against West Ham United Under-21s. Wilson was named in the starting lineup, while debutant Melia began the match on the bench.

It did not take long for Wilson to make his mark, with the Scottish youngster opening the scoring in the 20th minute after capitalising on a loose pass.

West Ham responded with two goals before the break, but Melia levelled things just 3 minutes after he came off the bench for the first time in a Spurs shirt with some sharp positioning inside the box.

Tottenham eventually secured a 3-2 victory after Reiss Russell-Denny forced a late own goal. Watch both the goals below.

Spurs academy set to play key role in Roberto De Zerbi rebuild

Tottenham’s academy has faced criticism in recent years for not producing enough first-team-ready players, with Harry Kane often seen as the exception rather than the norm. However, that narrative could begin to change.

Several players currently out on loan, including Will Lankshear, George Abbott, Jamie Donley, Alfie Dorrington, Yusuf Akhamrich and Dane Scarlett, along with arguably the most exciting of them all, Mikey Moore, are expected to be considered for first-team involvement next season.

Roberto De Zerbi’s arrival could be key to that shift. The Italian is known for demanding high standards from all of his players, regardless of age or status.

That approach could open the door for young players to break through, while also giving them confidence that strong performances will be rewarded.

Tottenham fan favourite Sandro has revealed whether he could return to the club as a coach after Roberto De Zerbi joined as the new head coach.

The former Spurs midfielder was made club captain by De Zerbi at Benevento, and the pair have a very good relationship.

In fact, Sandro has admitted that he always wanted to see the Italian coach take the Spurs job, suggesting that his former boss is an ideal fit for the Lilywhites.

The Brazilian is very confident that the Tottenham players will love working with De Zerbi, talking glowingly about how the 46-year-old plans his training sessions.

Sandro reveals if he could be part of Roberto De Zerbi’s coaching staff at Tottenham

Some have speculated whether De Zerbi could bring the 37-year-old to Tottenham as part of his team, given the midfielder’s understanding of the club and his connection with the fan base.

Sandro has refused to rule out a return to his former club and has teased the supporters about the possibility.

When asked on Last Word On Spurs if he could return to Hotspur Way, the Brazil international said he “doesn’t know yet” and added: “I think you guys will find out in the future.”

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When asked about his relationship with Spurs fans, Sandro said: “I love you guys, I loved you from the beginning. I am Tottenham.”

De Zerbi has already failed to get the assistant he wants at Spurs

The new Tottenham head coach is in the process of finalising his staff, and he has already received a big blow.

Reports indicated that De Zerbi reached out to Italian icon Alessandro Nesta about becoming his assistant at Spurs.

New reports have revealed how Tottenham Hotspur players felt following Roberto De Zerbi’s first training session in north London.

A new era under Roberto De Zerbi has now kicked off at Tottenham Hotspur, with the Italian taking his first training session with his Spurs squad.

However, while many Tottenham players were present in training, others missed out, with Mohammed Kudus, Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma among those not spotted.

But that did not prevent the new Spurs boss from getting his principles across to several players on the training pitches at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham training: Roberto De Zerbi leaves Spurs players excited

From the clips provided by the official Tottenham channels, a couple of things stood out from De Zerbi’s work with his group of players.

He looks to have started instilling some of his principles at Tottenham, with an emphasis on quick passes as well as beating the press.

Football.London has now revealed that the Spurs players appear to have bought into their new manager’s training methods.

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It is explained that the players went home with rave reviews of De Zerbi’s first day of training. In fact, one player is said to have told close friends that it was “outstanding”, while numerous others brought glowing reports about the level of the work.

It is hardly surprising to hear such reports, from the players as fans were also given a glimpse of the first training session.

We could hear snippets of what De Zerbi was telling his players, and it all pointed towards what his version of Tottenham will eventually be.

During one rondo, he stressed the importance of quick passing and movement. He said: “One or two touch. With two touch it is impossible to lose the ball because we are five to pass against two. Enjoy, enjoy but you have to move. Enjoy with the ball.

“A lot of teams now they come man to man. Man to man you need to pass the ball. It is important, one touch, two touch.”

He later addressed how he wants his side to deal with pressure, a message that underlines his philosophy of building from the back. He added: “Keep the ball, keep the ball. Attract the pressure. Attract the pressure. The speed of the ball possession, the opponent decides our speed. When they are coming in front, we need to be faster in moving the ball, giving angles, giving solutions.”

Spurs youngsters catch De Zerbi’s eye in training session

Not only was De Zerbi looking to improve the build-up and play-out aspects of Spurs’ game, but the manager also appeared to show interest in a few of his new players.

The Italian made a point of seeking out Lucas Bergvall, placing an arm around the youngster and engaging him in detailed conversations across different areas of the pitch.

De Zerbi was also seen speaking with Mathys Tel during a rondo, seemingly offering guidance on awareness – where to look and how to position his head before passing or turning.

Meanwhile, completing the trio of 20-year-olds, Archie Gray was a constant reference point, with the new Spurs boss frequently calling his name while instructing on the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on an experienced Premier League winger as they look to reshape their squad for Roberto De Zerbi.

While Spurs’ focus right now would be on staying in the Premier League, reports indicate De Zerbi has already held talks with the Tottenham hierarchy regarding summer transfer targets.

The Italian will undoubtedly be keen to put his own imprint on the Spurs squad, with the new Spurs head coach making it clear that he wants to see the side play possession-based, attacking football.

It has been revealed that the North London club have identified a Wales international who can help the team make the required transition.

Tottenham see Harry Wilson as the ‘ideal addition’ to their team

It has now been revealed by TEAMtalk that Tottenham have set their sights on Fulham star Harry Wilson ahead of the summer transfer window.

Wilson is having an outstanding season at Craven Cottage, having scored 11 goals and provided seven assists across all competitions so far.

His displays have brought him to the attention of Tottenham, who are looking to reshape their squad ahead of De Zerbi’s first full season in charge of the club.

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Spurs see Wilson as an ‘ideal addition’ who could deliver immediate impact, given his experience, and the Welshman has now emerged as a ‘key target’.

The report even adds that a move across London is now a ‘concrete possibility’ for the Fulham star. Interestingly, Wilson could be a free agent this summer if he does not sign an extension at Craven Cottage.

Spurs will face plenty of competition for Wilson’s signature

TEAMtalk reveal that the winger is also on the radar of Everton, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Sunderland, all of whom remain ‘firmly in the mix’ for his signature.

The outlet claims to have also heard from sources that Liverpool have not completely ruled out a move to take Wilson back to Anfield.

While Marco Silva’s side want to hold onto the Wales international, the level of interest in Wilson makes a departure from Craven Cottage ‘increasingly likely’ this summer.

Roberto De Zerbi has already made an impression in his first Tottenham training session, with some of his ideas exciting supporters while others may leave them a little uneasy.

Tottenham Hotspur now have a third manager in the dugout this season following Igor Tudor’s departure last week.

With very few low-risk interim options available and the club sitting just one point above the relegation zone, Spurs moved quickly to appoint Roberto De Zerbi on a long-term deal, making him one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League.

The Italian has already taken his first training session at Hotspur Way after his arrival was confirmed earlier in the week, giving him just over a week to prepare the side for his first game in charge against Sunderland.

It has since been revealed that the players were left very impressed by the Italian, and footage released by the club shows exactly why.

Roberto De Zerbi’s first Tottenham training session leaves strong impression

An extended clip from Tottenham’s training session showed exactly what Roberto De Zerbi has been demanding from his players.

The Italian had already revealed in his first interview that he had closely followed Spurs this season, which explains why he was heard repeatedly shouting “one touch, one touch” before adding: “One or two touch. With two touch it is impossible to lose the ball because we are five to pass against two. Enjoy, enjoy but you have to move. Enjoy with the ball.”

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“A lot of teams now they come man to man. Man to man, you need to pass the ball. It’s important, one touch, two touch.”

The emphasis on quick passing and movement is a clear shift from the slower, more static build-up Tottenham showed earlier in the season, and is likely to be welcomed by supporters. However, not everything De Zerbi said will excite fans.

“Keep the ball, keep the ball. Attract the pressure. Attract the pressure,” he was heard saying at one point.

“The speed of the ball possession, the opponent decides our speed. When they are coming in front, we need to be faster in moving the ball, giving angles, giving solutions.”

While this approach is central to De Zerbi’s philosophy, it also comes with risk, particularly for a team that has struggled when playing out from the back in recent months.

Spurs team news ahead of Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge

There were several notable absentees from the training footage, including Cristian Romero, who is expected to be resting after returning from international duty.

Pedro Porro and Pape Sarr were also missing, with the latter dealing with a shoulder issue. Of course, there is a chance that some players were simply not pictured in the very limited video, so fans shouldn’t worry too much yet.

Guglielmo Vicario is unlikely to return for a couple of weeks following hernia surgery, which will open the door for Antonin Kinsky. The young goalkeeper has endured a difficult spell, but his ability with the ball at his feet could suit De Zerbi’s system better.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Mikey Moore has set his sights very high over the next few years after making a big impact on loan at Rangers.

Spurs fans were very interested to see whether Moore could kick on at Ibrox this season after the impact he made in the Europa League last term.

After a tough start to life in Scotland, Moore has come into his own at Rangers, with the youngster now appearing at ease with the pressures of playing for a big club.

The 18-year-old displays in Glasgow have certainly created plenty of excitement in North London, and the Spurs academy graduate certainly believes he can make it at his parent club.

There have been reports suggesting that Tottenham could extend Moore’s loan spell at Rangers if they avoid relegation this season.

Spurs fans will be hoping that the teenager can follow in Harry Kane’s footsteps and become the next best big-name star to emerge from the academy, and Moore believes he is already ready for Premier League football.

When asked about his hopes at Tottenham, Moore told The Athletic: “Whether it’s next year or the year after, I want to break in and make an impact. I helped out in some Premier League games and gave a good account of myself, and in others, I didn’t show enough. But now I’m at a point where I can make an impact. If that opportunity comes, I would love to get a hold of it.”

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When asked about Tottenham’s current predicament, he said: “It’s tough to see people you care about and some of your mates going through a tough time. It’s a club I care about so much. For us to be in the position we’re in is not nice.

“Sometimes I wish I could go back and help but there are some top players there who should be able to help get us out of the position we’re in and push on next season. There is enough quality in that team to get out of it.”

Moore wants to be one of the best players in the world

The youngster is not just satisfied with becoming a first-team regular at Tottenham either. Moore believes he possesses the talent to become one of the best players in the world, and he is determined to fulfil his potential.

When asked if he harbours ambitions of becoming the best in the world, the Spurs youngster said: “I believe in my talent, and I believe I have the ability to do it. I know I’m going to work my hardest to get there. A lot of it is about the mentality you bring to games. It’s always been my dream to be one of the best players in the world. Why be scared to say it?

“At the start of the season, it may have looked absolutely stupid when I was playing awfully. Now I’m doing a bit better, maybe it doesn’t look as stupid. But I’ve got time on my hands to try and make that happen. In the next few years, we’ll see where I am.”

Roberto De Zerbi has made some very interesting comments in the past about a defender who is being heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

De Zerbi has been given a five-year deal and plenty of power at Tottenham, with the Italian set to have a huge say in the rebuilding of the squad.

The new Spurs boss has already made clear his emphasis on possession-based attacking football, and we could thus see some big changes to the Tottenham squad this summer.

A left-back who has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs is a player that the Italian is very fond of.

What Roberto De Zerbi has said about Tottenham target Pervis Estupinan

Over the last week, reports have indicated that Tottenham have set their sights on Pervis Estupinan, who has failed to set the world alight in Serie A after swapping Brighton for AC Milan last summer.

The left-back worked with De Zerbi at Brighton, and it has been suggested that the 46-year-old’s arrival at Spurs could be a factor in the club’s pursuit of Estupinan this summer.

The new Tottenham boss has spoken glowingly about the Ecuadorian back in Brighton days, suggesting that he could become one of the best in the world in his position.

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De Zerbi told Brighton’s official website back in 2023: “I must admit that Pervis is one of the most crucial players for us because he started from left-back, but you can find him in a striker position. He’s very smart, he’s one of our secrets, I think.

“Yes, [his] first control and pass, but I am pushing this with him all the time. If he becomes clean in the first control and passes, I think he can become one of the best left-backs in the world.”

Does Destiny Udogie have a future at Spurs?

Udogie has had another injury-hit season, with the Italian’s development being inhibited by his inability to stay fit.

Juventus are already circling over the Tottenham left-back ahead of the summer, with the Bianconeri hoping to take the 23-year-old back to Serie A.

If Spurs do end up signing another left-back this summer, they may have a big decision to make should a decent offer arrive for the former Udinese man.

Tottenham Hotspur now lead a six-way Premier League chase for West Ham United’s Crysencio Summerville, who could replace injured Wilson Odobert.

Tottenham Hotspur have looked devoid of creativity out wide for most of this season, largely due to the availability of their wide forwards.

Mohammed Kudus has been sidelined for a significant 97 days and has missed 16 games in that period, although a return before the Sunderland clash is not off the table.

Wilson Odobert is also sidelined and is not expected to feature again until next season after suffering an ACL injury in the clash against Newcastle United.

This marks the second time in his Tottenham career that he will be sidelined for months following a serious injury.

Tottenham transfer interest in Crysencio Summerville

TeamTalk is now reporting that Tottenham Hotspur are leading a six-way Premier League chase for in-form West Ham United winger Crysencio Summerville.

The Dutch international has hit form at the right time for the Hammers, who are also embroiled in a relegation scrap alongside Spurs.

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However, while Tottenham have struggled for creativity on both flanks, Summerville has managed eight goal contributions this season, playing a vital role in his side’s fight to beat the drop.

Spurs are said to have shown interest in Summerville during the winter transfer window, but no deal materialised at the time.

The Lilywhites could now reignite that interest in the summer, especially if West Ham fail to avoid relegation.

Spurs transfer competition and Crysencio Summerville injury record vs Wilson Odobert

Tottenham are not the only club in the race for the Dutchman. Within the Premier League, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Brentford and Everton have all been monitoring the former Championship Player of the Season.

Meanwhile, on the continent, Marseille, Napoli, Atalanta and Villarreal are said to be keeping a close eye on developments, with some having shown genuine intent to test West Ham’s resolve.

The wide forward would no doubt be a strong addition to Spurs’ ranks, given his versatility and ability to operate across the frontline as well as in attacking midfield.

However, the player’s injury history could be a concern if he is to arrive and compete with Wilson Odobert.

While Summerville has not picked up any major injuries this term that have kept him out for more than three games, his previous issues have at times been longer.

Crysencio Summerville’s injury record

Eddie Gray believes his great-nephew Archie Gray should be deployed in central midfield if Roberto De Zerbi is to get the best out of him at Tottenham Hotspur.

It has been a dreadful season all around for Tottenham Hotspur as they continue their fight to avoid relegation to the Championship.

The Lilywhites were champions of Europe last term but have failed to build on that momentum this campaign, instead slipping further down the table.

Roberto De Zerbi now represents a final throw of the dice for Tottenham, who have handed him the task of turning their fortunes around in seven games.

Archie Gray’s best Tottenham position revealed by Eddie Gray

The former Brighton manager has begun work and has met up with the Spurs squad after taking his first training session. De Zerbi will then assess his players before deciding which ones he will rely on in the coming weeks.

Archie Gray’s great-uncle, Eddie Gray, has now sent a message to the new Tottenham boss, making clear what he believes is his nephew’s best position.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast about Gray’s development and where he should feature long term, Eddie Gray said: “I know he is one of the family but I must say that when I watch him play, he plays in a mature fashion.

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“He does not let things get to him and he keeps trying to do the right things and I hope that continues for him, he is a level-headed lad anyway.

“I think he will end up being a box-to-box midfielder, that is where his strengths are because he is a great runner with the ball and he gets forward with his pace and energy.

“I think he will end up as a central midfielder.”

Roberto De Zerbi is not oblivious to Archie Gray’s quality

De Zerbi will surely not need any formal recommendation from outside on where Gray is best suited.

The former Brighton manager already made it clear in his first interview with Spurs that he has watched a lot of football involving the Lilywhites.

Of course, he must have seen the youngster in several clips this season and last, and will know where to deploy him in the next seven games.

Gray even impressed this international break with the England U21, scoring a goal and picking up man of the match in their matchup against Moldova.

There is no denying that Archie has been Tottenham’s best player this season, with the youngster looking assured in midfield while steadily growing into a leadership role.

Cristian Romero has made an honest admission to the Argentine press about his current situation at Tottenham Hotspur.

Romero may have hoped that the Europa League win last summer would be the start of Tottenham kicking on, especially as he had signed a new contract last summer and been made captain.

However, it has been a campaign to forget for the centre-back individually, and for Spurs collectively, with the Lilywhites still not assured of their status in the Premier League next season.

The Tottenham captain will be greeted by a new head coach at Hotspur Way when he returns from international duty, with Roberto De Zerbi becoming the club’s third different manager to take charge of the side this season.

Cristian Romero is determined to ‘give everything’ in Tottenham’s final run-in

Romero was at his dominant best for Argentina during the international break, which is not a version of him that Tottenham fans have seen much of this campaign.

The centre-back admitted to the media back in his home country that this is not an enjoyable time at Spurs, but vowed to give his all in the club’s final seven games as the Lilywhites look to avoid relegation for the first time in 48 years.

When asked about the ongoings at club level, Romero told Ole: “I’m not really having the best time there, to be honest. But beyond everything, I have to get myself right, I have to focus on the club now.

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“I need to switch on the Tottenham mindset, try to get out of the bad situation we’re in and, like I always do, give everything in every training session, in every match, and try to move forward.”

Could Roberto De Zerbi win over Romero?

Both Romero and De Zerbi are combustible but passionate personalities who love to fight and win.

One can see the Italian and the Argentine really getting along well, and the 27-year-old would be a natural fit for the new Spurs boss’s system, which emphasises playing out from the back.