De Zerbi could throw Spurs teen into the ‘deep end’

It could be a knife to cut the nerves of Tottenham Hotspur, who have a two-point safety net in their bid to be relegated from the Premier League with two games remaining.

Roberto de Zerbi has done a great job so far, replacing the struggling Igor Tudor during the March international break to keep them out of the relegation zone and regaining a winning feel during the away trip.

Spurs have so many problems, but there’s a sense that their front line hasn’t responded properly all season. In other words, Londoners miss players like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

Why Spurs are without Harry Kane

Needless to say, Kane is one of the best strikers in Premier League history. He has scored more goals than any other Tottenham player – so far.

Kane had been away for some time enjoying a goal-scoring spell with Bayern Munich in Germany, but the quality of the attack became clear after Son left last summer and Spurs’ top scorer for the 2024/25 season, Brennan Johnson, joined Crystal Palace in January.

Dominic Solanke’s injury problems have ruined his chances of success at the top and Richarlison has been mooted to leave in the summer, increasing the importance of signing a new striker this summer.

However, it is only the offensive flaws that have let the Lilywhites down this season. Tottenham are poor defensively and with Cristian Romero set to leave at the end of the season, something needs to change.

Fortunately, De Zerbi and his staff may be able to insert a new Kane at the deep end despite being a defender.

De Zerbi needs to unleash Spurs’ new Kane next season

Luka Vusković may not be a forward, but he has the potential to develop into one of the best centre-backs in the world, and is currently on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga.

It remains to be seen whether the Croatian international will play for Tottenham next season. Admittedly, he doesn’t want to drop into the Championship as he grows up, but if De Zerbi secures a Premier League spot for Spurs, the teenager could play a key role in guiding Tottenham back into the light next season.

Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke even claims that the Chiefs are preparing to put him on their ‘first choice’ list next season, which makes a lot of sense considering Romero is considering leaving.

The young defender has been described as a “growing monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with his incredible dominance in the air and composure on the ball.

He is a unique centre-back for the modern era. He wants to get on the ball and start forward sequences, remaining authoritative and willing to engage in physical battles.

While he may not be as consistent a striker as Kane (Vusković has scored five goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances this season), he is undoubtedly one of the most talented young centre-halves.

Vuskovic is yet to make a competitive appearance for Tottenham, but he has the world at his feet and it would be a disaster if Spurs allowed him to leave before he can make positive changes in north London.

He has the potential to match Kane at N17. Perhaps not because of his positional value, but rather because of his world-class potential and ability to lead the club back into the limelight.