Football FanCast

Roberto De Zerbi will be facing the same issue that plagued the likes of Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor before him at Tottenham Hotspur - how can this team be revived in the post-Harry Kane era?

For so long, whether it was taken for granted or not, Kane was the talisman and figurehead at N17, departing in 2023 as the club's all-time top scorer, after almost a decade of prolific reliability in front of goal.

It remains head-scratching to think that Daniel Levy and co allowed the England skipper to leave for Bayern Munich without signing a direct replacement, with it taking a year for Dominic Solanke to arrive on a club-record deal from Bournemouth.

Solanke's talent is evident, but it simply hasn't been seen enough, with a new solution needing to be found in that centre-forward department, be it in the coming weeks and in the long-term.

Why a new striker needs to be Spurs' priority

In the case of Solanke, it's been a tale of disruption across the last two years or so in north London, never truly able to get going following his arrival from the south coast.

In 2024/25, for instance, his early impact was delayed by an ankle issue, while much of the second half of the season was hampered by a knee injury, ensuring he scored just three Premier League goals between January and May that year.

While the 28-year-old did prove key in Spurs' knockout stage run in the Europa League, his return of nine goals back in the top-flight made for poor reading, having fallen behind Brennan Johnson in terms of the top scorer at the club last term.

As for the current campaign, it's been further injury woe for the ex-Chelsea and Liverpool man, scoring just six times, only three of which have come in the league.

In his absence, on-loan Frenchman, Randal Kolo Muani, hasn't fared much better, the 2022 World Cup finalist having actually been outscored by Solanke, despite making 34 appearances in comparison with the Englishman's 17.

The 27-year-old's only league goal came under his former Juventus boss, Tudor, in the north London derby, with there little suggestion that a permanent stay will be on the cards this summer.

New boss De Zerbi will, of course, have the polarising Richarlison to turn to between now and the end of the season, although the Italian could well find another solution to this striker saga instead.

​​​​​​​De Zerbi could unleash "Defoe-esque" Spurs star

In the case of Richarlison, it's been a respectable yet unspectacular season in front of goal, with the Brazil international having scored ten times in all competitions, nine of which have come in the Premier League.

As he proved at Anfield, the former Everton talisman can deliver when needed, yet like the men above, there has been no sense of consistency in a Spurs shirt, scoring just 25 league goals in four seasons now in the capital.

De Zerbi does have previous for getting the best out of strikers, be it Evan Ferguson or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, albeit with perhaps his most fruitful relationship back at Brighton and Hove Albion having been with the more mobile, dynamic number nine that was Joao Pedro.

The Brazilian's 20 goals in 2023/24 ensured he was actually the highest scorer during the 46-year-old's time at the helm at the Amex, despite De Zerbi having initially taken charge a year earlier.

Pedro's effective spell leading the line could then give hope to young Mathys Tel as De Zerbi's next centre-forward project, with the young Frenchman still waiting to truly make his mark in north London.

Indeed, much of his work to date has come off the left flank, having looked particularly impressive in the 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, registering the assist for Kolo Muani's first-half header.

That moment of magic did actually come with Tel drifting over to the right, showcasing why he shouldn't necessarily be confined to one flank or the other, instead allowed the freedom to roam, acting as a link man from a central starting berth.

The 20-year-old has scored just six goals across the last 18 months for the Lilywhites, after previously scoring 16 goals in 83 games back at Bayern Munich, following his move to Germany from Stade Rennais.

In 2023/24, for instance, Tel scored ten goals in all competitions despite starting just ten games, having largely been reduced to an impact role both for the Bavarian side and now at Spurs.

It's only been seen fleetingly, but there is a potential diamond there, with presenter Ben Bowman hailing his goalscoring ability as "[Jermain] Defoe-esque" in the recent past.

The likes of Kolo Muani and Solanke just aren't cutting it right now, and Tel - whose recent groin injury is not deemed to be serious - could be the mobile, athletic solution that De Zerbi is looking for.

Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has been dealt what could be his first bit of bad news on the injury front, after a suggestion that one of his esteemed new players could now miss the World Cup.

De Zerbi inherits crocked Spurs squad with mammoth task on his hands

De Zerbi has not yet taken a training session as Tottenham head coach, with Friday expected to be his first day of working with his very limited squad.

He has been in the job for barely 48 hours, and already, the scale of what he has inherited is becoming clearer by the day.

The injury list that greeted De Zerbi upon his arrival at Spurs is one of the most debilitating any Premier League manager has faced mid-season in recent memory.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is sidelined after undergoing surgery on a hernia problem, while James Maddison hasn't kicked a ball since August's pre-season tour, a serious knee injury ruthlessly wiping out what was supposed to be a pivotal season.

Dejan Kulusevski, who required a second surgical procedure on his knee during the international break, has not featured since last campaign.

Wilson Odobert remains out, Yves Bissouma is unavailable, and Ben Davies has been absent as well.

Mohammed Kudus has been working his way back from a thigh problem, with a possible return against Sunderland on the cards.

Mathys Tel picked up a groin concern with France's under-21 side, so it remains to be seen how long the Frenchman will be sidelined for.

Pape Matar Sarr — one of Spurs' most reliable and versatile performers all season, with 33 appearances across all competitions — was also withdrawn from the Senegal squad prior to their midweek friendly against Gambia with a shoulder injury, adding yet another name to an already barely-believable treatment table.

It is into this chaos that De Zerbi must attempt to build something capable of keeping Tottenham in the Premier League, with seven games remaining and a single point between the club and the relegation places.

And now, according to ESPN Deportes, a cloud of uncertainty has also formed over Rodrigo Bentancur's availability for Uruguay at this summer's World Cup — a situation that simultaneously concerns both club and country.

The Uruguayan midfielder, who has been out since tearing his hamstring during Spurs' 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth in January and subsequently underwent surgery, is listed in ESPN's analysis of Marcelo Bielsa's likely 26-man squad as a player very much in doubt.

The report describes him as a player who "got injured and is in doubt for the World Cup," before adding that if he does recover in time, his inclusion in Bielsa's plans is beyond question.

He has been one of the La Celeste coach's most trusted operators, a composed, intelligent midfielder with 73 caps whose absence would significantly weaken Uruguay.

The 28-year-old has reportedly been making better-than-expected progress — his personal fitness coach revealed he was around 15 days ahead of schedule in mid-March, having begun outdoor work and football-specific movement.

Journalist Alasdair Gold believes that Bentancur will suit De Zerbi down to the ground, but whether the South American will be available to him is now another question.

A midfielder of his quality and experience, fit and available, transforms De Zerbi's options in a midfield that has been threadbare for months.

Getting him back even for the run-in could prove significant in the most consequential seven games the club has faced in years.

Bielsa will be watching every update closely, so too will De Zerbi, for very different reasons.

Both men need Bentancur fit, but whether he will be is the question neither can yet answer.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs are not slowing down after bringing in a new manager over the break, and have already set out to sign a "magical" player who could be the first arrival of the Roberto De Zerbi era.

Spurs planning for summer after De Zerbi appointment

Tottenham's Premier League status is in major doubt, with just one point separating De Zerbi's side and the relegation zone, but the new manager may need to overhaul the squad regardless of whether they suffer relegation, having underperformed so massively this season.

The club certainly seem to be willing to back the Italian, with it emerging they have given De Zerbi more power than a traditional head coach, which means he will have a greater say in Spurs' summer transfer dealings.

Although the appointment was only confirmed on Wednesday, ENIC's recruitment team have gone into overdrive to identify a number of potential targets for the new manager, and he is personally keen on a deal for Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli.

Locatelli joins the shortlist alongside a trio of Galatasaray stars, namely goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, winger Baris Alper Yilmaz and central midfielder Gabriel Sara, with the north Londoners clearly determined to strengthen in the middle of the park.

Just days after it was revealed Tottenham hold an interest in Sara, there has now been a further update on their pursuit of the midfielder, with a report from Caught Offside revealing ENIC are attempting to move into pole position in the race for his signature.

Indeed, Spurs are ramping up their pursuit of the Brazil star, having recently made initial contact to begin talks, and there are signs that a deal could be possible, with the former Norwich City star now keen on a return to England.

Given the 26-year-old's importance to the Turkish side, they are reluctant to sanction a summer departure, but they would be willing to let him go if they were to receive an offer of €45m (£39m).

During his time with Norwich, the Brazilian midfielder received plaudits from scout Ben Mattinson, who suggested he was ready to make the step-up to the top flight, saying: "One of my favourite players in the Championship and someone who I can see making a huge impact in the Premier League. A magical left foot with outstanding passing through the lines, long balls and a rocket of a strike from distance."

However, the maestro instead opted to move to Turkey, where he has started to make a real name for himself, picking up eight goals and 13 assists in 84 appearances for Galatasaray.

Once again, Tottenham have struggled on the injury front this season, with James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma suffering various issues, which suggests they need to bring in a new midfielder, and Sara could be a solid option.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has some big decisions to make, and Alasdair Gold has suggested he is likely to take a fancy to a player who hasn't featured in quite some time.

De Zerbi outlines intentions in first message to Spurs fans

De Zerbi put pen to paper on a five-year deal earlier this week, being brought in as an immediate replacement for Igor Tudor, despite it previously being reported he was hesitant to take over until the summer.

In his first message to the fans, the Italian made it clear he sees his long-term future in north London, saying: “Hello to all the Tottenham fans. I am very happy to stay here with you. For me, it’s a very [big] honour and I’m very proud to be your coach.

“I want to give my best. I want to stay for a long time in this big club. See you soon.”

Spurs are willing to give De Zerbi a big say when it comes to recruitment, but the manager's immediate priority is to keep his side in the top flight, with a trip to Sunderland up first next Sunday.

Until the summer, the 46-year-old will be forced to work with the current squad, and Alasdair Gold has suggested a player that didn't feature under Tudor is likely to be high in the new manager's thinking.

De Zerbi set to unleash divisive Tottenham star

Speaking in a recent YouTube, Gold stated Rodrigo Bentancur, who has been out injured since January, may be suited to De Zerbi's style of play, saying: "I've got a funny feeling that he's gonna like Rodrigo Bentancur as well.

"And I know again he's a player that's not everyone's cup of tea, but I think in terms of tactical and possession based football, yes he can be a little bit iffy with his passing sometimes, but actually, as someone that was used to being in the hub of that Juventus team, the three-time Serie A title winners, I think he could fit in quite well."

The Uruguayan midfielder, who pockets £75k-a-week, has endured his fair share of injuries over the years, missing large parts of the 2022-23 campaign due to an ACL tear, and he has been absent for the last ten Premier League games as a result of a hamstring problem.

However, the 28-year-old could be set to play a crucial role in the run-in, with Tudor confirming both him and Mohammed Kudus could return to training soon, prior to his exit, saying: "We have these three big weeks after the game on Sunday. “[Kudus will return for] probably some part of things with the squad, maybe in ten days?

"I'm not sure, we need to check, but he is progressing very well, already with the ball. We hope the medical staff will make us some nice surprise. It will be very, very, very important to have them."

It would be welcome news if Bentancur, who has ten goals and nine assists to his name in 181 appearances for Spurs, were to return soon, considering De Zerbi is light on options in midfield, with Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma also dealing with injury issues.

Tottenham Hotspur moved swiftly to appoint Roberto De Zerbi following Igor Tudor's departure, but the Italian isn't the only manager they went after.

De Zerbi set to travel to Sunderland in first game as Spurs boss

De Zerbi has just seven games to save Tottenham's season, with his side lingering dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone, but there are some question marks over whether he is the right man for the job.

Neal Maupay, who played under the 46-year-old at Brighton, was full of praise for his former manager, but suggested Spurs' players may not be able to adapt to his style of play right from the off.

Maupay said: “The only thing for me — there are 7 or 8 games to go and what he wants to do takes time, you know, for the players to get used to it. So that would be interesting I guess. But if they can stay up, for me it’s a fantastic signing for Tottenham.”

De Zerbi will take charge for the first time against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light next weekend, following which some tough fixtures are on the horizon, with the Lilywhites still needing to travel to Villa Park and Stamford Bridge.

It remains to be seen whether the ex-Brighton boss is the right man for the job, and it has now been revealed he wasn't the only option Spurs considered, with ENIC making a move for a Premier League manager before settling for De Zerbi.

Tottenham held talks to appoint Fulham manager Marco Silva

Speaking on YouTube, Alasdair Gold shared what he knows about Tottenham's search for a new manager, saying: "Spurs definitely explored the possibility of getting another employed manager out of their club on a permanent deal, and that was Marco Silva.

"So they were looking at other potentials you know, and bearing in mind, I guess there's a way of looking at that, why would you try to get Marco Silva out on a permanent deal? I think it was all through intermediaries at that point. I don't think it ever got to a club-to-club thing, and I think Fulham very clearly would've said no at that point as well because I think they want to try and keep Marco Silva for a longer term."

The Portuguese manager perhaps could've been a solid appointment, having done a stellar job at Craven Cottage, leading Fulham to the Premier League and stabilising them in the top flight.

However, De Zerbi certainly has the credentials, having received particularly high praise from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, and Spurs desperately need the former Marseille boss to make an instant impact.

Tottenham finally have their new manager officially in place after a whirlwind saga stretching back for weeks, but Roberto De Zerbi wasn't their only candidate.

Spurs confirm Roberto De Zerbi as new manager

The announcement that north London had been waiting for arrived on Tuesday.

De Zerbi is now Tottenham's latest new head coach, signing a five-year contract worth one of the most lucrative managerial salaries in the Premier League.

The Italian ends a wait that stretched back months — his name had first been attached to the vacancy when Thomas Frank was dismissed earlier in the season, only for Spurs to turn to Igor Tudor instead.

Now, with Tudor gone after 44 days and one win, and the club one point above the relegation zone with seven games left, De Zerbi has accepted a challenge that will test every ounce of his considerable tactical and motivational ability.

He is scheduled to take charge for the first time against Sunderland away on April 12, giving him roughly nine days to assess a squad that has gone the entirety of 2026 without a league victory.

De Zerbi is also tasked with installing the beginnings of his expansive, possession-driven philosophy. The task is considerable. The expectation, given the contract and the salary attached to it, is equally so.

The ex-Brighton and Sassuolo boss is poised to start work with the squad on Friday, but there are no plans for him to face the media.

In the aftermath of De Zerbi's arrival, claims from Turkey suggest he was not the only manager Tottenham seriously pursued during what was an evidently frantic few days of contact and negotiation following Tudor's departure.

Okan Buruk rejected Tottenham in 'surprise meeting' prior to De Zerbi

Turkish outlet Fanatik, citing Italian publication Tutto Mercato, relay news that Spurs held a 'surprise meeting' with Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk before the De Zerbi appointment was concluded — and that the 52-year-old turned them down.

According to the report, significant contact took place between Tottenham and Buruk's camp, and the LIlywhites were keen to install him immediately.

Buruk's answer was clear: he had no intention of abandoning Galatasaray during a title charge.

Walking out on a squad he had built and led through multiple Turkish Süper Lig triumphs was not something he was prepared to do, regardless of the financial package on offer.

Spurs had their answer, moved forward with De Zerbi, and the rest is now history.

The claim sheds light on just how thorough — and perhaps desperate — Tottenham's search had become.

The notion they were exploring a manager of Buruk's profile simultaneously with De Zerbi speaks to the urgency of their situation and the limited pool of available, high-calibre candidates willing to step into a mid-season relegation battle.

Buruk's contract at Galatasaray expires at the end of this summer, making him a free agent in June — and the report makes clear that his availability has not gone unnoticed.

Italian interest in the Turkish manager is longstanding, helped considerably by the fact that Buruk played for Inter Milan during his playing career and remains fluent in Italian.

Lazio are touted as an interested party, with the Roman club yet to clarify their managerial situation, and reportedly impressed by Buruk's ability to develop players and manage high-profile personalities.

Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia are also said to be monitoring his situation.

Back-to-back Süper Lig titles in 2022/23, 2023/24 and last season have established Buruk as one of the most credible emerging managers in European football.

The summer will offer him choices, but Spurs are no longer an option.

For any modern Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mauricio Pochettino remains the benchmark, with the Lilywhites never truly getting close to the highs they achieved during the Argentine's five-year tenure.

There were four top-four finishes in succession in the Premier League, alongside a surge to the Champions League final in 2019, all while Pochettino brought through an exciting, youthful crop of future superstars.

A piece of silverware may have remained elusive, but this was still a golden period for those in north London, with Roberto De Zerbi now the man tasked with edging the club back to such lofty footing.

The priority, in the short term, is survival, yet beyond this season, the Italian will need to build toward a brighter future, ensuring not everyone currently on board will be in it for the long haul.

The winners and losers of De Zerbi's appointment at Spurs

There is a sense that the real losers of this appointment could well be the Tottenham hierarchy, if things are to go south, with the ENIC regime gambling on a typically combustible coach at a time when the club simply needs someone to steady the ship.

Alas, looking to De Zerbi's impact on the pitch, there are those among the current crop who may well find themselves out of the picture moving forward, with Pedro Porro potentially under threat considering the manager's tendency to deploy a midfielder at right-back on occasion, be it Pascal Gross or Jack Hinshelwood at Brighton.

In midfield too, the steady, ability-winning traits of Joao Palhinha are likely to be at odds with the possession-heavy style of the new boss, with that also likely to be an issue for January arrival, Conor Gallagher, considering he boasts a pass accuracy rate of just 80% in this season's Premier League.

That said, having overseen the rise of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister for a brief time at the Amex, De Zerbi could be the perfect man to nurture the likes of Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray toward superstardom, the latter having been a particular shining light even during Igor Tudor's dismal reign.

There will also be an element of intrigue regarding Mohammed Kudus, when the Ghanaian does return to action, with the fleet-footed forward having at one stage come close to joining Brighton in 2023, prior to moving to West Ham United.

When fit and firing again, Kudus is likely to be installed off the right flank in De Zerbi's 4-2-3-1, while the playmaking role in the centre could well belong to Spurs' new Christian Eriksen.

Spurs' new Eriksen could be perfect for De Zerbi

It was in something of a 4-2-3-1 that Pochettino's teams of the past flourished, with the aforementioned Eriksen having been a centre-piece of that side, be it off the left or in a number ten role.

During Pochettino's time in charge alone, the Dane racked up 58 goals and 75 assists in 255 games in all competitions, proving the real creative outlet in support of the free-scoring Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.

In the modern day, in the absence of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, Spurs are missing that playmaking jewel, albeit with there having been flashes from £52m signing, Xavi Simons, in recent weeks.

The Dutch sensation was particularly impressive on what looked like a breakthrough night at home to Atletico Madrid, scoring twice in that 3-2 win, while proving such a menace in between the lines, registering five 'key passes' in total.

Watching the 22-year-old twisting and turning, while rifling home from range, very much felt like witnessing Eriksen in his pomp, albeit with greater athleticism, with that a comparison that was even made in his pre-Tottenham days, back in 2023.

Indeed, Dutch Eurosport expert Kevin Van Nunen made that connection during Simons' time at PSV Eindhoven, following Eriksen's own prior rise at Ajax:

“The typical modern playmaker, [Simons'] very creative and able to give an assist as well as making goals,” he told Eurosport UK.

“I named Christian Eriksen as a comparison for a reason, especially as Simons is at a similar point in his career as when Eriksen had his breakthrough at Ajax."

An Eriksen-shaped figure appears perfect for new boss De Zerbi when looking back to the impact that Gross made under the Italian on the south coast, the German playmaker racking up 31 Premier League goal involvements in 2022/23 and 2023/24 combined, creating 27 'big chances' in that time.

There was perhaps greater versatility to Gross' game, considering he could operate at right-back, although he was regularly deployed by De Zerbi as the number ten, ensuring Simons should well sparkle in a similar role moving forward.

Tottenham have been urged to denounce violence against women and girls following new boss Roberto De Zerbi’s past remarks about Mason Greenwood.

Tottenham Supporters’ Trust release statement

The Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust has called upon the club to reaffirm its stance in the wake of the 46-year-old Italian’s appointment as their new head coach as a result of his “unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive” comments about Greenwood during their time together at French side Marseille.

Greenwood was charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one of controlling and coercive behaviour and another of assault occasioning actual bodily harm over allegations relating to a woman after images and videos were posted online, although the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the charges in February 2023.

Commenting on De Zerbi’s appointment on a five-year deal in a statement released on X, THST said: “The club has previously committed to challenging instances of violence against women and girls and acting with integrity and upholding its values when faced with any incidents.

“De Zerbi’s comments about Mason Greenwood were unnecessary, ill-judged, and deeply offensive to a significant number of supporters and, without doubt, will have left victims of male violence alarmed.

“We believe these statements, left unchecked, will create a divide among supporters at a time when we all need to be pulling together to back the team. It is concerning that the club would put us in this position right when the team needs fans the most.

“Fans are rallying behind the ‘All Together, Always’ initiative, and this appointment places heavy strain on that unity. If those remarks reflect his genuine views, they cast a troubling shadow over the values of the club we love.

“The club must reassert its commitment to the values that fans hold dear—chief among them equality, respect, and integrity. Any perceived sympathy toward alleged perpetratorsof physical or sexual violence against women fundamentally undermines trust in the custodianship of this club.”

The charges against former Manchester United forward Greenwood were dropped because of “a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light”, which meant there was “no realistic prospect of conviction”.

He has since resumed his career and joined Marseille in 2024, with De Zerbi describing the player in November as a “good guy” who had paid a “heavy price”, and adding: “It saddens me what happened in his life because I know a totally different person than the one who was described.”

De Zerbi forces Spurs to grant him complete control

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, not only has the new manager been handed a longer deal than some fans perhaps wanted, he has also been granted serious power of the running of the club.

The media in his homeland claim De Zerbi will be more than just a coach, similar to the way Sir Alex Ferguson was involved in every aspect of Manchester United, a role which very few managers are granted in modern football.

One of the few such cases is Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, claims the report, with both teams in North London now opting for a be-all-end-all traditional "manager" as opposed to the more structured sporting hierarchies seen at most clubs today.

And so, the somewhat controversial appointment of Roberto De Zerbi has been made by the Tottenham Hotspur hierarchy, with the focus in the immediate future on securing Premier League survival across the next seven games.

The Italian - who had initially been keen to wait until the summer before taking charge - has agreed a long-term deal despite Spurs' precarious position, deemed the man to finally lift the club from rock bottom.

The 46-year-old will inherit an injury-hit and rather wounded squad at N17, albeit one that will also need significant overhaul this summer, with compatriot Guglielmo Vicario among those expected to depart.

At the top end of the pitch, meanwhile, the woes of Dominic Solanke - who has scored just six goals this season - should ensure that a new centre-forward is also a priority for De Zerbi and co this summer.

Spurs could strike £55m deal for first De Zerbi signing

While the north London side were languishing even before his exit, Harry Kane's departure in 2023 still feels like a landmark moment for the club, not least considering they waited a year to sign a direct replacement, in the form of Solanke.

The latter man has just 12 league goals since then, while on-loan Frenchman, Randal Kolo Muani, has scored just one top-flight goal all season, that coming in the north London derby defeat last month.

Richarlison, meanwhile, remains the top scorer this term for the Lilywhites, yet a return of just 25 league goals across the last four seasons makes for grim reading for the Brazilian.

De Zerbi and co could now be looking to Richarlison's compatriot, Marcos Leonardo, as a potential upgrade, with SportsBoom reporting that the 22-year-old is a 'number one target' for both Tottenham and Liverpool this summer.

The young marksman is said to be considering an exit from Saudi side Al Hilal, having spent almost two years in the Middle East after signing from Benfica.

The report does suggest that the Pro League outfit are under no pressure to sell, although it would be seen as foolish to turn down a statement offer, with a fee of around £55m likely to be the demand.

Why Leonardo could be De Zerbi's new Pedro

For a manager who seeks to implement an attack-minded set-up wherever he goes, it's no surprise that De Zerbi tends to get the best out of the centre-forwards at his disposal.

At Marseille this season, for instance, an ageing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang enjoyed something of a renaissance with ten goals in 28 games, while back at Brighton, the new Spurs boss oversaw the rise of young Evan Ferguson, who netted 15 times in 60 games during their time together.

That stint with Seagulls also saw De Zerbi get the best out of another rising Brazilian sensation, Joao Pedro, having signed the ex-Watford striker in the summer of 2023.

Pedro, now at rivals Chelsea, scored 20 goals in just 40 games in all competitions during that 2023/24 campaign, alongside registering a further nine assists, having operated both as a centre-forward but also as a second striker in De Zerbi's 4-2-3-1 set-up.

The aforementioned Leonardo could then be De Zerbi's latest, exciting centre-forward project, if Spurs can agree a deal this summer, with the youngster another player who fits the mould as a 'mobile' forward, as the report noted.

Indeed, at just 5 foot 9, Leonardo isn't exactly an old-fashioned number nine in the mould of Ferguson, yet more of a fluid striker like Pedro, while boasting the finishing prowess to match.

Like Chelsea's new number 20 - who started his career at Fluminense - Leonardo first emerged back in his homeland at Santos, scoring 54 goals in 168 games despite his relative youth.

A move to Lisbon followed, yet after scoring eight times in just 24 games for Benfica, he was on his way to Saudi Arabia, since netting 44 times in just 72 outings at Al-Hilal.

The £55m man proved particularly impressive in last summer's Club World Cup, scoring four times in just five games, including a brace against Manchester City in the last-16.

A return to European football, after scoring 15 times this season, potentially seems on the cards, with Leonardo likely to be a perfect fit for De Zerbi, considering Brighton were plotting his signing in 2023, before pivoting to Joao Pedro.

That's not to say the Brazilian will be the second coming of Kane or anything close, but after such mixed fortunes in the striking department, something needs to change at N17 this summer.

Jermain Defoe has backed Roberto De Zerbi to keep relegation-threatened Tottenham in the Premier League after being dazzled by the Italian’s slick style of football.

De Zerbi is "good enough" - Defoe

Former Brighton and Marseille boss De Zerbi is Spurs’ third manager of a miserable season, having been appointed on Tuesday with the club sitting just a point above the drop zone.

Defoe, who is also starting a new role this week after taking charge of National League side Woking, had two spells with Tottenham as a player and also began his coaching career in north London.

“He’s someone that comes in with an unbelievable CV,” Defoe said of De Zerbi, who has also managed Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk.

“When you look at his playing style, as football fans you have to appreciate and enjoy the way they play.

“I remember the (De Zerbi) Brighton team, watching Brighton play thinking, ‘wow, this is the right way to play football’.

“He’s going into a massive football club but he’s someone with a good CV and someone who backs himself.”

Tottenham sacked Igor Tudor on Sunday following one point from five top-flight games during his brief tenure, having only dispensed with Thomas Frank on February 11.

“I just hope this group of players can respond and get the results they need,” continued Defoe.

“A lot of the players haven’t experienced this before, the fans and the club have not been through this situation before.

“Hopefully they can come out of it and with this manager, I’m sure he’s good enough to get the results they need.”

The new manager has a lengthy injury list to contend with, as eight senior players are currently out or doubtful ahead of the trip to Sunderland.

Mathys Tel, Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur could all be absent at the weekend, and another concern has now been added to that list.

Tottenham star withdrawn from international action

Indeed, Senegal star Pape Matar Sarr was withdrawn from their squad to face Gambia on Tuesday just hours after De Zerbi's appointment.

A report from the midfielder's homeland claimed he has suffered a shoulder injury, which is believed to have resulted in him being pulled from training on the day of the game.

Sarr has been crucial for Spurs this season, playing 22 times in the Premier League and nine more in the Champions League, with his ability to play in several positions a godsend for a new manager dealing with a squad in crisis.

De Zerbi may well have to make do without him in his opening match, but it is unclear how long the 23 year-old will be sidelined for.