How new-look Spurs are shaping up under De Zerbi

What the report says

BBC Sport Football reports that Roberto De Zerbi has used his first summer at Tottenham to begin reshaping the team after arriving in March with the immediate aim of steering Spurs clear of relegation. With that short-term job completed, the article says he now has more time and transfer backing to build a side that reflects his preferred style and can push higher in the Premier League.

The report explains that De Zerbi is continuing with the kind of possession-based build-up play that made him highly regarded at Brighton, while also adapting to the way opponents now defend against it. According to BBC Sport’s tactics analysis, pre-season matches have shown Tottenham working to progress the ball through central areas when possible, but also using wider positions and quick switches when rivals block the middle.

Examples cited include wins over Hoffenheim and Getafe, where narrow defensive shapes forced Spurs to move the ball across the back line, pull opposition midfielders out of position and then find forwards dropping deep. The piece highlights how full-backs, holding midfielders and advanced attackers are being used to create space for one-touch combinations and direct runs in behind.

The article suggests these patterns may become a key feature of Tottenham’s play this season, as De Zerbi tries to evolve his approach in response to how carefully opponents now prepare for his teams.