Roberto De Zerbi has made a big claim about Savio after the winger announced himself to Tottenham fans with an excellent debut.
While the Carabao Cup tie was effectively decided by the time the Brazilian came on in the 71st minute yesterday, his introduction drew one of the biggest roars of the evening from the home crowd.
One could tell that Savio was feeding from that energy as he looked to take on opposition defenders at every opportunity and make his mark on the game.
The 22-year-old produced an outstanding moment of quality in the 82nd minute as he cut in from the right past two defenders and arrowed the ball into the bottom corner at the near post from the edge of the box.
Roberto De Zerbi reveals how many goals Savio is targeting at Tottenham this season
Just minutes later, the winger thought he had scored again, but the goal was credited to Ben Davies, with the Brazilian’s shot deflecting off the Welshman into the back of the net.
To pick up a goal and an assist in his Tottenham debut was certainly a big statement from Savio, given that he was criticised for his lack of end product at Man City, and De Zerbi has now revealed that he has challenged the Brazilian to score 10 to 12 goals this season.
When asked about Savio’s debut, the Spurs head coach told Football.London: “Yes, it is a perfect day for him. I think his biggest step and biggest improvement is to increase the number of goals because (with) his qualities, he is one of the best wingers. But the best wingers score many goals. I spoke with him yesterday, two days ago.
“We put the goal on 10-12 goals because we need 10-12 goals from the wingers. Last season, I think we suffered too much. Also because the number of goals were not enough to compete for nothing more than that position.”
De Zerbi hails Mateus Fernandes’ versatility
Fernandes made his full debut for Tottenham against Charlton after being used as a substitute at Brentford, and interestingly, the former West Ham man was deployed as the most advanced of the three midfielders.
De Zerbi was pleased with how his midfield three operated yesterday, and admitted that Spurs are lucky to have a player of Fernandes’ quality and versatility.
When asked about the 22-year-old’s first Tottenham start, the Italian said: “Mateus Fernandes is another talent, big talent. We are lucky because he can cover two positions on the pitch, like as a pivot or number 10. Anyway, he brings quality, he is dynamic and he fights on the pitch, because I think in the last season he was one of the best players in terms of regaining the ball, in the duel.
“He is important, like Gallagher, because we can’t forget Gallagher. I think today Rodrigo Betancur played very well. I think now he is very important for us. Unfortunately, he started the season later than the other players, but when Rodrigo Betancur is fit, he is available, he is in the right physical condition, he is a different player. Because his understanding is great, he is a different player.”