Tottenham Hotspur have a big hole in the number 10 role as the new season fast approaches, which may force Roberto De Zerbi to come up with an interesting solution.
The new campaign is now just a week and a half away, and one would expect De Zerbi to already have a clear idea of the eleven he is going to start at the Gtech Community Stadium on August 22.
The big dilemma for the Tottenham boss may be in the number 10 role, with Xavi Simons expected to be sidelined for the first few months of the season.
To make matters worse, there are also rumours regarding a possible injury for James Maddison, who is yet to play a single minute in the club’s pre-season campaign so far. Maddison himself has at least denied rumours of a repeat injury.
Alasdair Gold suggests Mohammed Kudus may be used as a number ten by Tottenham
Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski have been stepping up their rehabilitation after having missed the club’s pre-season tour.
With Conor Gallagher as his only fit number ten at the moment, Alasdair Gold suggested that De Zerbi may use Kudus in a central role during the start of the campaign.
Gold wrote on Football.London: “The other issue right now for De Zerbi is that his number 10 options are limited and appear to centre solely around Conor Gallagher at the moment. The 26-year-old is a willing runner, can set the tone with the pressing and has done well in the role at Chelsea and before that West Brom but he’s not a natural candidate for the job like Maddison or Xavi.
“It could be that with Spurs set to sign a couple of wingers De Zerbi is considering Mohammed Kudus when he returns to full fitness for a more central role than he played for the club last season. The Ghanaian has played as a 10 for his country and Dejan Kulusevski, when he returns to full training and then competitive action, can also play in that position.”
Maddison has provided a positive update ahead of the new season
Maddison has rubbished suggestions that an old hip injury has reoccurred, insisting that he is ‘feeling good’ ahead of the new campaign.
However, the big question is whether the attacking midfielder will be ready to start at Brentford, having not had any minutes during pre-season.
Some sources have claimed that Maddison is expected to be named the next captain of Spurs, as Cristian Romero edges closer to an exit.