De Zerbi could end Tel’s career at Spurs by offloading the 17-year-old sensation
There have been, and understandably so, concerns and rightful arguments about the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur, not least the fact that the Italian has failed to win any of his Premier League debuts in charge of Brighton and Hove Albion.
A repeat of this slow start would be disastrous given Spurs’ relegation status, but on the bright side, the 46-year-old could represent the perfect coach to boost the club’s exciting crop.
Back at Brighton, for example, De Zerbi was in charge of Moises Caicedo’s first full season of Premier League football in 2022/23, and helped oversee the rise of wonderkid, Evan Ferguson, with the Irishman scoring 15 times in 60 appearances under his watch.
As Seagulls youth coach Shannon Ruth said at the time, “[De Zerbi] he is willing to promote from within, without age restriction.” That should be music to the ears of those in north London.
Spurs academy stars who could flourish under De Zerbi
Looking ahead to next season, there will be a crop of academic products returning to N17 following a fruitful loan spell, and De Zerbi is likely to target those emerging stars this summer.
It was reported on Tuesday that promising striker Will Lankshear could be retained after scoring nine times in the Championship this season, although that inclusion will depend on whether or not Spurs hit the ground running.
Meanwhile, the next Harry Kane in waiting, Mike Moore, has spoken of his desire to return to the club at the end of his fruitful season at Rangers, having scored six Premiership goals as part of the Glasgow club’s push.
As for those currently in north London, hopes are high for two young strikers James Wilson and Mason Melia, who both arrived from Scotland and the Republic of Ireland, respectively, in January.
The two forwards are awaiting their chance at the top level, although minutes have been given to the likes of James Rowswell and Jun’ai Byfield in recent weeks, as well as midfielder Callum Olusesi.
|
Average club age – 2022/23* |
|
|---|---|
|
The team |
Average age |
|
They are saints |
24.6 |
|
Arsenal |
24.6 |
|
Leeds |
25.1 |
|
Brighton |
25.7 |
|
Brentford |
25.7 |
|
Chelsea |
25.9 |
|
The mouth |
26.2 |
|
Everton |
26.3 |
|
Leicester |
26.3 |
|
*De Zerbi’s first season at Brighton |
|
Considering the number of injuries facing De Zerbi, and the likes of Igor Tudor, Thomas Frank and Ange Postecoglou in front of him, youth quality could be the answer, not least with the senior figures struggling of late.
One key area the Italian maverick could be looking to improve is on the right, with Heung-min Son’s vacancy yet to be filled.
Spurs could make a move for Tel “one of the best talents in England”
With Brennan Johnson traded, Wilson Odobert sidelined with an ACL injury, and Mohammed Kudus just finding his way back to fitness, a continuing problem has been the lack of depth in the flanks.
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That has seen 20-year-old Mathys Tel deployed as a winner on the left recently, although the Frenchman has yet to thrive, despite a fine display in the 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Tel had the help of teammate Randal Kolo Muani who opened the scoring that day, but in all competitions this season as a whole, he has just four goals to his name, a disappointing 31.
If De Zerbi is to look for a replacement for the former Bayern Munich man, both in the short and long term, then he could offer the most respected star on the course, Luca Willams-Barnett, a 17-year-old who has been limited to one senior outing so far this season.
That limited participation has had a negative impact on the youngster’s recent injury, however there is a sense that he should have been used even before that, as he was hailed as “one of the best talents in England at youth level” by Como commentator and assessor Ben Mattinson.
Considered to be Spurs’ answer to Arsenal superstar, Max Dowman – in Mattinson’s view – Williams-Barnett has torn it up at school level in recent years, operating primarily as a number ten with or without it.
In just 32 appearances for the U18 side, according to Transfermarkt, the Luton-born speedster has scored 37 goals and assists so far, while his 11 appearances at U21 level have resulted in 13 goals.
That includes 11 goals and assists in just ten games this Premier League 2 season, which again shows why promotion is now due, either this season or in 2026/27.
Perhaps Spurs would prefer a loan move, similar to Moore, however considering De Zerbi’s previous work with the minors, it should give hope for Williams-Barnett to make an immediate impact in the first team.
Tel, although perhaps a natural striker by trade, doesn’t just cut it on the left side, ensuring the role will be taken by Williams-Barnett, after he started for Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup earlier this season.
After the success of Kane and his teammates under Mauricio Pochettino, De Zerbi must once again make the center back a vital part of Spurs going forward.
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