Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager Roberto de Zerbi has spent the summer reshaping the squad to avoid relegation and aim higher. He has signed technical centre-backs, midfielders like Mateus Fernandes and Lucas Bergvall, and forwards such as Sandro Tonali, Conor Gallagher and Destiny Udogie to fit his build-up play philosophy.
Pre-season Lessons
During the pre-season, Spurs’ most common situation was a ball in the centre-back’s feet. De Zerbi’s side looked to stand on the ball, wait for pressure and play through the centre to find attackers high up the field. In a 3-0 win against Hoffenheim, the Dutch club set up in a 4-4-2 defensive mid-block that was unusually narrow. Spurs’ shape on the ball resembled a 4-2-4, allowing the centre-backs to pass between each other and shift Hoffenheim’s shape left to right. The wide full-backs pulled the opposition’s wide midfielders out of position, creating space for the centre-forwards to drop deep and receive direct passes.
Tackling a Narrow Mid-Block
When the opposition blocks the centre, De Zerbi has introduced new solutions. If the central midfielders are pulled out, one of the midfielders will drop deep to form a line of three alongside the two centre-backs. Against Getafe, Lucas Bergvall moved into a deeper position, forcing the opposition central midfielder to choose between following him and leaving a gap or staying put and allowing Bergvall to carry the ball from wide areas. This tactic was also used against Hoffenheim, where Sandro Tonali pulled into a deeper wide role, using his physical base to beat his man and cover large distances before Spurs scored.
Player Signings that Match the Plan
The new signings reflect the tactical blueprint. The centre-backs are technical, comfortable on the ball and able to play risky, progressive passes through crowded midfields. Mateus Fernandes and Lucas Bergvall can pass under pressure in small spaces, bouncing the ball back to their defenders. Conor Gallagher and Destiny Udogie can drive past players and carry the ball over large distances from a wider position if the middle of the pitch is blocked. Cody Gakpo and Savinho provide one-against-one pace and dribbling quality to bring attacks towards the box, while Richarlison and Omar Marmoush possess the physicality to arrive around the box and finish crosses.
Looking Ahead
De Zerbi’s approach remains focused on vertical build-up through the centre, but he has adapted to the game’s evolution by pulling central players out of position and progressing the ball down the flanks. The summer signings give Spurs the technical and physical tools to execute this plan. As the season progresses, opponents will devise counter-measures, but the coherence between coach, tactics and players suggests a clear direction for Tottenham this year.
