Roberto De Zerbi has discussed whether defending set-pieces could be a weakness for his Tottenham side this season, given that they are not among the most physically imposing teams in the Premier League.
Spurs have made sweeping changes to their squad ahead of the new season, with almost half the squad leaving and 10 new players arriving through the door.
All of the players Spurs have signed are Premier League proven, which often comes at quite a premium.
However, apart from Tosin Adarabioyo and Jan Paul van Hecke, none of Spurs’ new recruits are particularly physically imposing, with most of them being diminutive, technically sound players.
Roberto De Zerbi says height may not be an issue for Tottenham in defending set-pieces
Tottenham conceded from set-pieces in both of their opening two league matches of the season, which has left some fans concerned if this is going to be a continuing theme.
Tottenham also struggled to make the most out of numerous attacking corners in the 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest.
However, De Zerbi pointed out that Spurs do have some tall players in their team, and also added that winning aerial duels is more about fight than just one’s height.
When asked if his team’s lack of height is an issue while defending corners, the Tottenham boss told Football.London: “Yes, but we have Solanke, we have the centre-backs with physicality, and then, listen, to defend the set pieces, first of all, you have to have blood and the right speed to defend, because sometimes it’s the duel.
“You have not to lose all duels because you are smaller than the opponent. We have Allan Dixon (Spurs’ team manager, ex-army man and player liaison officer). We can put Allan Dixon in the set pieces on the pitch, if you want?
“But I think if you have not the spirit to fight in the duels – this part makes the difference. Also, the structure, the physicality, for sure. But we have a JP van Hecke, we have Van de Ven, we have Udogie, we have Bentancur, we have Solanke. Gallagher is very good in the set pieces. Why? Because he fights.”
De Zerbi reveals Omar Marmoush’s favourite position
De Zerbi insisted that new signing Omar Marmoush has the qualities to lead the line in the Premier League, even though he may not be as physically imposing as other centre-forwards.
He also shared that the Egyptian loves playing upfront, pointing out that he did so often at Eintracht Frankfurt.
When asked if he primarily plans to use Marmoush as a number nine this season, the Italian responded: “He’s a good player, and we will see in the season. Normally, if you consider the striker a big animal, he’s not an animal, but he has different characteristics.
“At Eintracht Frankfurt, he played as a striker, he loves playing as a striker, but he is a different striker than Richarlison. We have to play with the ball on the grass, short pass combinations, attack the spaces very good to use Omar for his characteristics.”