Roberto De Zerbi is determined to make a statement when Tottenham Hotspur take on Brentford on the opening day of the new Premier League season on August 22.
The Italian head coach wants to build an entirely new squad this summer after back-to-back relegation scares left the club far from where it expects to be.
Sporting director Johan Lange has until September 1 to complete his business, but the expectation is that key signings will be secured long before the transfer window closes.
Speaking after the final-day win over Everton, De Zerbi told reporters: “From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team. I think we have now to change too many players.”
He continued: “We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay. Good enough. Like players. Especially like people. And then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players.”
De Zerbi then doubled down in an interview with club media, stating: “I’m looking forward to building a new team. I’m looking forward to calling these players, to speak with them and to introduce the new season and to speak with the new players we have to bring.”
The 47-year-old added: “We are lucky to stay here, and we have to compete in the best way we can. We have to organise the next season, we have to build a stronger team. Now we have to move on and to prepare the future of our club.”
Only Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven are expected to retain their starting spots at the back, with Andrew Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke pushing Kevin Danso and Destiny Udogie to the bench.
Djed Spence, who started just two of a possible seven games under De Zerbi last season despite showing promise with England at the World Cup, will need to fight for his place in the squad.
Antonin Kinsky is also expected to lose his starting position, with James Trafford identified as the ideal man to take over between the sticks and provide a strong foundation for the squad.
Luka Vuskovic and Cristian Romero both continue to be linked with moves away from Hotspur Way, and unless they receive assurances over game time or sign new contracts, their departures appear increasingly likely.
Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes are viewed as ideal midfield additions, with De Zerbi having previously relied heavily on a dynamic engine room when he guided Brighton to Europa League qualification in 2023.
Players like Alexis Mac Allister, Moises Caicedo, and Billy Gilmour were central to that Brighton side, and Tonali and Fernandes are seen as capable of fulfilling a similar role at Spurs.
In attack, Iliman Ndiaye is identified as the priority signing from Everton, with the 26-year-old winger capable of shouldering creative responsibility while Xavi Simons remains sidelined until next year.
If Lange executes his transfer strategy effectively, experienced arrivals like Robertson, Ben Davies, and James Maddison could help younger talents such as Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert, and Archie Gray reach their potential.
The dream Tottenham starting lineup to face Brentford reads: James Trafford; Pedro Porro, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Andrew Robertson; Sandro Tonali, Lucas Bergvall, Matheus Fernandes; Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke, Iliman Ndiaye.
The post Roberto De Zerbi’s Dream Tottenham XI Features Sandro Tonali And Iliman Ndiaye As Spurs Target Brentford Opener appeared first on Gooner Daily.
