Tottenham Hotspur are entering a crucial phase in their fight for Premier League survival, with Roberto De Zerbi now responsible for keeping the club in the top flight.
The Italian has signed a five-year contract with the North London side and has already stated he will remain in charge regardless of which division Spurs compete in next season. His previous success at Brighton & Hove Albion offers fans reason for optimism, especially after he recorded a 43% win rate during his time there — a level that could be enough to steer Tottenham away from relegation danger.
Injuries, however, remain a major concern. Throughout the season, Spurs have struggled with fitness issues, particularly in defence, where players like Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have both spent long spells sidelined. Encouragingly, both defenders have recently returned to full fitness and are expected to play key roles under De Zerbi.
There is also positive news in attack, with Mathys Tel nearing a return after injury. The young forward was spotted in training this week, raising hopes he could feature in the upcoming match against Sunderland.
As De Zerbi looks to shape his best starting XI, he may wish for a player of Gareth Bale’s calibre. The Welshman made 237 appearances across two spells at Spurs, scoring 71 goals and providing 53 assists, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s greatest players. His £85 million transfer to Real Madrid in 2013 remains one of Tottenham’s most significant sales.
In Bale’s absence, Mohammed Kudus could emerge as a key figure for De Zerbi. The winger has been out since January with a muscular injury but is expected to return soon. Before his setback, Kudus was in excellent form, contributing seven goals and assists in the league — the second-highest tally in the squad despite missing several months.
Kudus’ style mirrors Bale’s in many ways. Operating from the right, he often cuts inside onto his stronger left foot to shoot at goal. His dribbling ability is also standout, averaging 3.1 successful dribbles per 90 minutes — the highest in the team. Additional stats, including a 35% shot accuracy and 1.4 chances created per 90, underline his attacking influence.
De Zerbi had previously shown interest in signing Kudus during his time at Brighton, and the Ghanaian could now become his own version of Bale at Spurs. If he can rediscover his earlier form, Kudus may play a decisive role in helping Tottenham secure their Premier League status.
Question 1 of 5:
Who succeeded Igor Tudor as Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach?
Igor Tudor’s assistant
Thomas Frank
Roberto De Zerbi
Marseille’s former coach
