Tottenham are teetering on the edge of relegation with just seven games remaining. They are one point above 18th-placed West Ham United and need a major turnaround.
With no domestic wins in 2026, Tottenham have already parted ways with two managers in two months. They sacked Thomas Frank in February, before interim manager Igor Tudor mutually parted ways after just 43 days in charge. The latter managed just one draw and four defeats in five league games.
The North London side are now set to announce Roberto De Zerbi as their new permanent head coach. The Italian’s first game in charge would be against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on April 12.
Tottenham’s potential line-up under De Zerbi
Spurs have had multiple different kinds of managers in recent years, a trend that has continued this season. Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor, and Roberto De Zerbi each have distinct playing styles and approaches to football. This has also led to a poorly built squad over the years.
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Hence, De Zerbi might not have the best tools available to implement his playing style, especially early into his tenure. Some players might suffer under him, while some might excel. However, based on the available players, this is how he could line up at Tottenham:
Note: This assumes Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur will be back from their respective injuries after the international break.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
GK: Antonín Kinsky
RB: Pedro Porro
CBs: Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven
LB: Destiny Udogie
CMs: Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray
AM: Xavi Simons
LW: Mathys Tel
RW: Mohammed Kudus
ST: Richarlison
Further details about Tottenham’s potential lineup under De Zerbi
Firstly, the lineup included Antonín Kinsky because Guglielmo Vicario has undergone hernia surgery. The Italian should take his place back as the first-choice goalkeeper as soon as he returns.
Meanwhile, Tottenham don’t have a pass-forward midfielder. While they have multiple options like Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, and Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur could arguably be the best fit for De Zerbi’s playing style.
Moreover, Archie Gray has arguably been Spurs’ best player this season and deserves to start every game.
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In terms of strikers, Richarlison faces competition from Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani. As a target man, however, the Brazilian eclipses both.
He is also Tottenham’s top scorer this season. If De Zerbi can implement his style, Richarlison can be akin to Danny Welbeck at Brighton, i.e., a proper goalscorer.
Overall, there are certainly some good players at Tottenham who can play a dominant attacking style. However, after multiple changes in the playing style in such a short span, it remains to be seen how quickly they can adapt to De Zerbi.
