AliousRoberto De Zerbi has wasted no time settling into life in north London following his appointment earlier this week.
The new Tottenham Hotspur boss has already completed his first interview with the club, where he addressed key issues and offered insight into what fans can expect under his leadership.
His first match in charge is scheduled for April 12, when Spurs travel to face Sunderland in the Premier League. The fixture comes after a lengthy break, with the club inactive for nearly a month due to the international window and the absence of FA Cup or Champions League commitments.
With that clash approaching, attention has turned to five players who could play a decisive role in helping De Zerbi secure his first victory in charge.
Antonin Kinsky has a golden opportunity to stake his claim as Tottenham’s first-choice goalkeeper. De Zerbi’s tactical approach typically favours players who are comfortable in possession, and the Italian himself emphasised in his first interview that his team attacks and defends as a unit of 11.
This raises the question of Kinsky versus Guglielmo Vicario. While Vicario has impressed in certain areas, there are lingering doubts about his ability with the ball at his feet. Kinsky, by contrast, is regarded as more composed in possession, although previous mistakes—most notably against Atletico Madrid—have slightly dented his reputation.
With Vicario currently sidelined through injury, Kinsky is expected to start, giving him a valuable chance to prove himself. His distribution could be key to Spurs making a positive start under their new manager.
Cristian Romero is another player who could prove pivotal. The Argentine, currently captaining the side, has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, particularly following his lacklustre reaction during the defeat to Nottingham Forest. However, he has since taken accountability and vowed to give everything in the remaining fixtures.
Romero’s ability on the ball and his aggressive defensive style make him well-suited to De Zerbi’s system. Encouragingly, he returns from international duty in strong form, and if he can replicate that level for Spurs, he could be central to their chances of claiming all three points.
Archie Gray’s inclusion among the key players will come as no surprise to supporters. The young midfielder has arguably been Tottenham’s standout performer this season, impressing under multiple managers.
During Igor Tudor’s brief spell, Gray showed maturity beyond his years, confidently dictating play and demanding possession in midfield. His performances have drawn comparisons to graduates of elite academies, and he has carried that form onto the international stage, recently scoring for England’s Under-21 side.
If he maintains that level, Gray will be instrumental in Spurs’ midfield battle against Sunderland.
Mohammed Kudus is another figure who could have a major impact—if he is fit in time. Tottenham have lacked attacking threat on the right flank in his absence, and his return would provide a significant boost.
Although he was not involved in De Zerbi’s first training session, there is still hope he could feature. The Italian has long admired Kudus, having previously attempted to sign him, and a partnership between the two could quickly prove fruitful if the winger is available.
Finally, the battle for the centre-forward position presents De Zerbi with a selection dilemma. Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, and Kolo Muani are all fit, offering different qualities in attack.
However, Richarlison may have the edge heading into the Sunderland fixture. The Brazilian has demonstrated both commitment and a knack for goals during this challenging campaign, scoring ten times so far.
His energy, work rate, and suitability to an attacking system could make him the ideal spearhead for De Zerbi’s first match, and he would be a strong candidate to get on the scoresheet if given the nod.
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