Roberto De Zerbi's Selection Dilemma Ahead of Newcastle Clash
Roberto De Zerbi has a decision to make. Several, in fact.
His Egyptian forward, unused in the comeback win over Bournemouth last weekend, is fully fit and available. De Zerbi is relaxed about his condition, but the selection call is anything but simple: does he throw him straight in from the start, forcing one of Richarlison or Dominic Solanke out of the XI, or keep him as a weapon on the bench?
That dilemma comes on top of a new attacking option already demanding a starting shirt.
Savio stakes his claim
Savio has wasted no time announcing himself. The Brazilian, signed from City in a deal worth up to £85million earlier this week, lit up the Carabao Cup second-round tie against Charlton with a goal and an assist, the ideal introduction to life in north London.
That performance has pushed him firmly into the frame for a full debut against Newcastle. De Zerbi namechecked him among those ready not just to feature, but potentially to start.
“Like Savio, like Pedro, Marmoush is available to play, maybe also the beginning of the game,” the head coach said, underlining how quickly his new-look attack is taking shape.
Defensive balance and injury caution
At the back, the picture is more delicate. Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro both got their first minutes of the season off the bench against Charlton, and both are now in contention to start against Newcastle.
Van de Ven, though, remains a calculated risk. The Dutch defender has been managing an injury and has a history of muscle problems throughout his Spurs career. De Zerbi is determined not to push him too far, too soon.
“Van de Ven is right to play. We have to look, we have to understand the beginning part of the game,” he said, hinting that any involvement might be carefully managed rather than a guaranteed 90 minutes.
There is better news at full-back. “Robertson is like Udogie. Udogie is a good news for us because Udogie is very important and he played well 60 minutes, like was the plan,” De Zerbi added, pleased with how the Italian came through his scheduled hour.
Mohammed Kudus, meanwhile, is “pushing for a place on the bench”, another sign of the depth beginning to build in attacking areas.
Maddison’s route back
One player who will not be rushed is James Maddison. The 29-year-old is still working towards a consistent run of games, and De Zerbi made it clear that the club are following a strict plan to get him back in peak condition.
Asked if supporters would need to be patient, he stressed the long view: they want Maddison back properly, not just briefly.
With Newcastle looming and options everywhere, De Zerbi now has what every coach craves and every fan debates – real choices. Who he trusts from the first whistle will say plenty about how he intends to shape this stage of the season.
