Xavi Simons one of three Tottenham players who will thrive under Roberto De Zerbi
Xavi Simons, Rodrigo Bentancur and Micky van de Ven should all be looking forward to potentially working under Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur.
Igor Tudor looks set to leave Spurs by mutual consent this week following their crushing 3-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest.
They are just one point and one place above the Premier League relegation zone as it stands, and Football Insider have revealed that De Zerbi is Spurs’ top target to replace the Croatian.
He has been out of work since leaving Marseille last month, while many on these shores will know him best for a successful spell at Brighton between 2022 and 2024.
De Zerbi could well be Tottenham’s new manager for their next game against Sunderland, and Football Insider have looked at three players who could instantly benefit from his arrival.
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VISIT THE MANAGER HUBXavi Simons
Simons has struggled to make an impact in North London while playing under two defensive bosses, in Thomas Frank and Tudor.
De Zerbi looks at the game much differently than those pair, with his sides normally told to press opponents high, play on the front foot and dominate possession.
| Appearances | 25 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Pass accuracy | 82% |
| Chances created per 90 | 1.69 |
| Duels won | 48.9% |
| Fouls won per 90 | 2.2 |
| Possession won in final third per 90 | 1.18 |
Such a style will surely suit Simons down to the ground, as he is a strong dribbler and passer, and is joint-fourth among all Premier League players for possession won in the final third per 90 minutes.
He earned a move to Spurs after shining in Marco Rose’s high-intensity, midfield overloading system, and so a switch to a similar style should help get the best out of him if De Zerbi is appointed.
Micky van de Ven
Van de Ven has not been at his best so far this season, despite emerging as one of the most sought-after centre-backs in the Premier League in recent seasons.
It is tough to pinpoint how his struggles started under Frank and continued under Tudor, but De Zerbi’s arrival would signify a switch to a style that is much more aligned with the Dutchman’s best qualities.
The 46-year-old has deployed a high line during his spells at Brighton and Marseille, and Van de Ven is one of the quickest defenders in world football, so should have no problem playing in such a manner.
He is also comfortable on the ball and likes to drive forward to create space, both of which are key components of De Zerbi’s defensive systems.
Sources have told Football Insider that Tottenham will accept £70million-plus offers for Van de Ven this summer, but a fresh start and some better form under the Italian could convince him to stay.
Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur’s last appearance came as he suffered a hamstring injury against Bournemouth in January, but he looks set to return to the fold after the international break and should be available to play in the final five games of the season at least.
He has been one of Spurs’ better performers throughout a dismal campaign, and most notably, is one of the best passers at the club and constantly wants to receive the ball at his feet.
This is something that a few of Tottenham’s other midfielders, like Conor Gallagher and Pape Sarr, are not great at, and so it would not be a surprise to see Bentancur force himself into the starting eleven if De Zerbi is hired.
He completed more accurate passes per 90 minutes than any other Spurs player in the Premier League last season, and is also among the top performers across PL players this term for ball recoveries per 90.
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