Roberto De Zerbi has outlined his plans for James Maddison and the number‑ten role at Tottenham ahead of Spurs’ Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool.
Roberto De Zerbi is set to make a couple of changes to his Tottenham Hotspur XI on Tuesday night when Spurs take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.
The Spurs boss confirmed this when speaking after Tottenham’s weekend draw with Everton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
He said: “I do not know. Now we play on Tuesday in Liverpool, and we play with all other players, but it will be a very important match for us.
“We can improve playing in the games, we can improve during the week. I think Rodrigo Bentancur, he came late after the World Cup, and he is crucial for us. And I did not want to change him today, but I thought maybe he finished his energy in that moment of the game.
“Sandro Tonali, for example, played better in the second half. Robertson, JP van Hecke, they stayed directly for the first period of the pre-season.
“Micky van de Ven suffered an injury in Australia. Domi Solanke, the same. Maddison, the same. Savio and Marmoush, they came 10 days ago. Mateus Fernandes suffered an injury in Australia. He lost 15 days, and it is not so quick.”
Roberto De Zerbi discusses Tottenham plans for James Maddison and the number 10 role
With rotation expected on Tuesday, there could well be first starts for a few Spurs stars yet to feature from the off this season.
James Maddison has had to contend with injuries already this campaign, limiting his appearances to cameos off the bench.
The same applies to Mohammed Kudus, who has yet to kick a ball from the start since February this year. Speaking to football.london ahead of the clash against Liverpool, De Zerbi hinted at his plans to manage Maddison’s minutes.
He said: “Yes, he is another important player for us. He has to stay in good physical condition. From the last press conference we spoke about the change, the intensity of the Premier League and he needs to work harder like he has done.
“And then he is a different player for us. The quality of James is different than other players. Kudus can play number 10, more offensive. Marmoush can play as a number 10. Maybe we have to force it, no? But to force the idea, to force the characteristics of the players in the first eleven.”
Spurs’ creativity problem and Maddison’s importance
Spurs have suffered for creativity this season, mostly in the Premier League where they are yet to score a goal despite having played six hours of football.
No doubt getting Maddison into the team will help solve some of that problem to some extent, especially if he is deployed as the club’s number ten. But given his fitness struggles, one can understand why the club will not want to risk things.
However, with reports stating that Liverpool themselves are set to rotate their squad this midweek, this could allow for the perfect opportunity for De Zerbi to throw the Englishman right into the mix.