Roberto De Zerbi is set to face the same dilemma that troubled managers like Ange Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, and Igor Tudor at Tottenham Hotspur — how to revive the team in the post-Harry Kane era.
For years, Kane was the club’s talisman at N17, leaving in 2023 as Spurs’ all-time top scorer after nearly a decade of consistent brilliance in front of goal. His departure to Bayern Munich without a direct replacement remains a puzzling decision by Daniel Levy and the club hierarchy. It took another year before Dominic Solanke arrived from AFC Bournemouth on a record deal.
While Solanke’s quality is clear, he has struggled to consistently deliver. Injuries have disrupted his time in north London, limiting his impact across multiple seasons. In 2024/25, an early ankle problem and a later knee issue restricted his output, resulting in just three league goals between January and May. Despite contributing in the Europa League knockout stages, his overall tally fell short, even finishing behind Brennan Johnson in the scoring charts.
This season has brought more setbacks, with the former Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC forward managing only six goals, just three in the league.
In his absence, loanee Randal Kolo Muani has also failed to impress. Despite featuring more regularly, he has struggled in front of goal, with his only league strike coming under his former Juventus FC boss Tudor. His performances have done little to suggest a permanent move is likely.
Meanwhile, Richarlison has offered a modest return, scoring ten goals in all competitions, nine of which have come in the Premier League. Although capable of key moments — as shown against Liverpool FC at Anfield — consistency has remained an issue, with just 25 league goals across four seasons.
De Zerbi has a track record of developing forwards, having previously worked with players like Evan Ferguson and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. However, his most effective attacking setup came with a mobile striker such as Joao Pedro at Brighton & Hove Albion, where the Brazilian netted 20 goals during the 2023/24 season.
That example could point toward a new opportunity for Mathys Tel. The young forward has yet to fully establish himself at Spurs, often featuring from wide positions. However, flashes of his potential have been evident, including a standout display in a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid, where he assisted Kolo Muani.
Tel has shown versatility across the frontline, drifting into different areas and linking play effectively. Though his goal tally has been modest — six goals in 18 months at Spurs, following 16 in 83 appearances for Bayern Munich after joining from Stade Rennais — his efficiency has been notable. In 2023/24, he scored ten goals despite limited starts, often making an impact from the bench.
His natural finishing ability has even drawn comparisons to Jermain Defoe, highlighting his potential as a central attacking option. With Solanke and Kolo Muani struggling to deliver, Tel could emerge as a dynamic solution in De Zerbi’s forward line.
Question: Who departed Tottenham in 2023 as the club’s all-time top scorer?
Richarlison
Brennan Johnson
Dominic Solanke
Harry Kane
