Tottenham Hotspur are at a crucial moment in their search for Premier League safety, with Roberto De Zerbi tasked with keeping the team at England’s top level.
The Italian signed a five-year contract with the Lilywhites after taking charge and even stated that he would remain in the role regardless of which division the club is placed in next term.
But there is no doubt that his previous experience in charge of Brighton & Hove Albion will give supporters the confidence they need to avoid a relegation scrap.
The 46-year-old achieved a 43% win rate during his time at the Amex, a record that would certainly be enough to pull the team out of the looming threat of relegation.
However, the fitness of a number of senior players will certainly be a concern for the manager as he aims to keep the club in this division over the coming weeks.
Latest information on De Zerbi’s Spurs’ injury troubles
As has been seen under various managers throughout the ongoing campaign, Spurs have struggled significantly with injuries, which has no doubt contributed to their current league position.
The backline is often reduced as a result of fitness issues, with the likes of Micky Van de Ven and Cristian Romero both spending extended periods on the sidelines.
However, the aforementioned pair have returned to full fitness in recent weeks and will no doubt play key roles under the Italian coach’s guidance in the coming weeks.
Such news will definitely be a positive for the new manager, and with the possibility of forward Matthijs Tell returning, it will be a boost for the new manager as he prepares for his debut.
The Frenchman was injured in the game against Nottingham Forest before the international break, and was subsequently withdrawn from the France Under-21 squad.
However, the youngster was spotted during the manager’s first session this week, potentially leading to a high-profile game for the 20-year-old against Sunderland next week.
Spurs star who could be Bale of De Zerbi himself
De Zerbi will no doubt take some time to establish his best XI after arriving at Spurs, but he will no doubt wish he had a reliable player of Gareth Bale’s caliber.
The Wales international scored an incredible 237 times in the two games against the Lilywhites, and also found the back of the net 71 times.
He also provided 53 assists during this period, establishing himself as arguably one of the best players to ever wear the shirt in north London.
His £85 million transfer fee to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2013 still stands as one of the club’s record sales, and was undoubtedly a huge return considering he arrived for just £5 million.
Given the level he produced during his time at the club, De Zerbi will no doubt wish he could call on such talent, especially in an important relegation battle.
However, the Ghana international has been sidelined in recent months and winger Mohamed Kudus’ return to fitness could help the Italians.
The 25-year-old has been out with a muscular injury since the beginning of January, but could return within weeks to secure his future at the club’s top level.
The £55m summer addition was in excellent form before being hampered by injury, going on to score a total of seven goals and assists in the Premier League.
The result remains the second highest in the senior ranks this term, despite the forward missing the past three months due to fitness issues.
But Kudus could well play a big role under De Zerbi in the final seven games of the season, especially if he can match his former stature in north London.
The new manager is keen to sign the Ghanaian international while at Brighton, and the winger could be the manager’s version of Bale.
Mohamed Kudus – PL Statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 19 |
goals and assists | 7 |
Pass accuracy | 86% |
dribbling success | 3.1 |
Accuracy of shots on target | 35% |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.4 |
successful cross | 1.6 |
won a duel | 6.2 |
Kudus has a very similar skill set to Bale, often featuring on the right side of the attack, but also willing to cut inside and shoot on goal with his favored left foot.
His ability to weave through opponents is similar to the Welshman’s, and his 3.1 successful dribbles per 90 is the best of any Spurs player.
Other stats such as his 35% shooting accuracy on target and 1.4 chances created per 90 only strengthen the argument that Kudus will once again be a key player.
It remains to be seen what kind of impact he will have given his extended injury absence, but De Zebri will no doubt be hoping he can emulate his early success this season.
If he can replicate that level, there’s no reason he can’t rival Bale in terms of fan favorite – especially if he helps secure the Lilywhites’ status as a top-flight player.
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