Roberto De Zerbi faces the kind of selection headache every manager secretly craves. Goals, new signings, big reputations – and some very big calls to make before Newcastle arrive.
Marmoush ready – but will he start?
Omar Marmoush watched from the bench as City turned it around to beat Bournemouth 2-1 last weekend. This time, he is fully fit and firmly in De Zerbi’s thoughts.
The Egyptian forward has shaken off any concerns after being an unused substitute, and his manager is clear: there is no issue with the 27-year-old’s condition. The dilemma lies elsewhere. Does De Zerbi throw him straight in from the start, pushing aside one – or even both – of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke? Or does he hold him back as a weapon to unleash later?
It is the kind of decision that shapes a game, and possibly a pecking order.
Savio’s £85m statement
While Marmoush waits for his first big moment of the league campaign, Savio has already kicked the door down.
The Brazilian, signed from City this week in a deal worth up to £85million, wasted no time announcing himself. A goal and an assist on his debut in the Carabao Cup second round against Charlton – the perfect introduction to north London and a performance that instantly raised expectations.
Now he is in line for his full league debut. De Zerbi has hinted that Savio, like Marmoush and Pedro Porro, is “available to play, maybe also the beginning of the game.” For a manager who likes to attack in waves, that is a tantalising option.
Van de Ven and Porro back in the frame
The Charlton tie also marked the return of Micky van de Ven and Pedro Porro, both handed their first minutes of the season from the bench.
Porro’s situation is straightforward: he is fit, sharp enough, and in contention to start against Newcastle.
Van de Ven’s is more delicate. The Dutch defender has battled muscle problems throughout his Spurs career, and De Zerbi will not gamble lightly. He insists Van de Ven is “right to play” but admits the staff must “look” and “understand the beginning part of the game” before deciding how hard to push him.
He could start. He could be held back. What is clear is that Spurs will not risk another long spell on the sidelines for a player so central to their defensive structure.
Mohammed Kudus, meanwhile, is pushing simply to make the bench, another reminder of the depth beginning to form in De Zerbi’s squad.
Udogie boost and defensive balance
Amid the attacking intrigue, there was a quieter but significant positive: Destiny Udogie.
De Zerbi classed Udogie as “good news for us” after the left-back came through 60 minutes as planned, alongside Robertson, in midweek. For a coach who builds so much of his team’s rhythm through the full-backs, having Udogie back and moving well changes the entire feel of the back line.
With Udogie, Van de Ven, Porro and Robertson all edging towards full sharpness, the defensive picture is finally starting to resemble what De Zerbi wants.
Managing Maddison
The one player Spurs will not rush is James Maddison.
Asked if supporters need patience as the 29-year-old chases a consistent run of games, De Zerbi was clear: there is a plan. The staff are working to bring Maddison back in the best possible condition, not simply the quickest.
In a squad suddenly rich with attacking options – Marmoush eager, Savio electric, Kudus waiting – Maddison’s return is being handled with caution rather than desperation.
De Zerbi now stands at the whiteboard with options everywhere. Who starts, who sits, and who finishes the game against Newcastle may tell us plenty about how he intends to shape this side for the months ahead.
