With six additions through the door in north London, we take a look at how Tottenham could line up with every single new signing under Roberto De Zerbi.
The activities of Tottenham Hotspur so far this summer transfer window will no doubt have left many fans in a state of shock.
A staggering £237 million (€278m) spent and six new additions in less than a month of the summer window opening does sound like unfamiliar territory for Tottenham.
However, that is the pleasant surprise supporters have been greeted with this summer after consecutive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League over the last two years.
Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke, Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, and Martin Dubravka all stand as the newest additions to the squad, and now Spurs Web have taken a look at just how Roberto De Zerbi could set up with all six players.
Tottenham potential line-up with new signings
Of course, it is worth noting that while each of these players can compete for a first-team slot, we do not expect De Zerbi to line up exactly in the way highlighted below.
With that in mind, here is how Spurs could set up with their new signings. In goal, naturally, Dubravka takes his place.
We know he was not brought in to start every game, especially after Antonin Kinsky’s improved contract, which confirmed a higher squad role.
Kinsky should therefore be the starting goalkeeper, but with Dubravka one of the new signings, he makes this team. The expectation remains that Guglielmo Vicario will be sold, with Tottenham keen to move the Italian on.
Right in front of the former Burnley man, we have gone with a back three consisting of Jan Paul van Hecke, Spurs’ first major purchase of the summer, alongside Marcos Senesi, one of their free signings.
The two centre-backs had stellar Premier League campaigns last season, with van Hecke part of a Brighton defence that conceded 46 goals – the third-best defence last campaign.
His partner Senesi was a key figure in a Bournemouth side that made history by securing a European spot, and he was also named Player of the Season for the Cherries.
Completing the back three is Micky van de Ven.
At wing-back, on the right, we have Pedro Porro, who Spurs have managed to tie down to a new contract amid interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid.
Porro is currently enjoying an impressive World Cup campaign, proving why it was smart business to secure his future.
Tottenham will be hoping he can carry that form into next season as De Zerbi aims for a much stronger campaign in his first full season as Spurs boss.
On the left is the last free agent signing, Andy Robertson. The former Liverpool man will face stiff competition from Destiny Udogie in that position, although his experience remains invaluable.
Spurs midfield and attack with new signings
In midfield, we have the big-money signings, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, sitting at the base to shield the backline.
Both players look like excellent complements to each other, capable of breaking up play, winning duels, making tackles, and then progressing the ball forward.
The duo also have a keen eye for a forward pass, which should allow Tottenham to start attacks quicker and improve chance creation overall.
Last season, Spurs lacked this profile in deep midfield, and with these two, they appear to have addressed that issue.
Ahead of them, we have James Maddison and Mohammed Kudus. Both players missed much of last season due to long-term injuries but should return in far better condition ahead of the new campaign. Their presence will almost feel like new signings after such lengthy absences.
Leading the line is Dominic Solanke, who will be hoping the new additions provide a greater influx of chances created by Tottenham.
Our final XI: Dubravka; Van Hecke, Senesi, Van de Ven; Porro, Fernandes, Tonali, Robertson; Maddison, Kudus; Solanke (3-4-2-1)
- READ MORE: Exclusive: Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes have lower Tottenham wages than first thought