De Zerbi's tactical blueprint to unlock Spurs' attack
- Source
- BBC SportTier 1
- Published
Key points
- Tottenham and Coventry are the only Premier League sides without a goal after four games despite £320m in summer spending
- De Zerbi's system relies on drawing pressure centrally to create space for direct wingers and attacking midfielders between the lines
- James Maddison's return from shoulder injury offers a player better suited to operating in tight spaces under pressure
AI summary
BBC Sport's tactics correspondent examines why Tottenham are struggling to convert chances under Roberto de Zerbi despite significant attacking reinforcements. The Italian manager's approach—slowing play to invite pressure then exploiting space behind pressing opponents—worked well at Marseille, where his side averaged 2.3 goals per game from 2024 to 2026.\n\nSpurs operate in a 2-3-2-3 shape with Rodrigo Bentancur anchoring midfield. De Zerbi encourages central play to draw defenders infield, opening wide areas for direct wingers. The return of James Maddison, who featured in the Carabao Cup tie at Liverpool last Tuesday after a shoulder injury, provides a player naturally suited to receiving the ball under pressure in tight spaces—a key requirement of the system.
Original headline
How does De Zerbi fix Spurs' scoring troubles?
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