How Tottenham could line-up in Roberto De Zerbi’s 4-2-3-1 formation: Kudus back in attack

Roberto De Zerbi is being linked with a move to replace Igor Tudor in the Tottenham dugout, and we have attempted to predict how he could line up in north London.

We can expect a decision to be reached on the future of Igor Tudor in the coming days after his latest defeat at the hands of Tottenham’s relegation rivals, Nottingham Forest.

It has been reported that Tudor and Spurs have reached a mutual agreement to part ways following poor performances on the pitch.

Should the Croat depart, Tottenham will be forced to make yet another managerial appointment this season.

Roberto De Zerbi is one name that has been linked with the Spurs job, with reports suggesting Tottenham are looking to appoint him permanently while including a clause allowing him to leave should they be relegated.

But should the former Brighton man be made boss, how could he set up his Tottenham side? Let’s find out.

Tottenham predicted 4-2-3-1 lineup under Roberto De Zerbi

We do know from his previous managerial stint in the Premier League with Brighton that De Zerbi is a big fan of the 4-2-3-1 formation.

The former Brighton manager is also well known for his aggressive, high-intensity style of play, and that could be one that suits the ethos of Spurs.

Whether this group of players will quickly adapt to De Zerbi’s methods remains to be seen, but he does have the personnel at his disposal to line up in a 4-2-3-1 shape.

In goal, the Italian is likely to have two options at his disposal, Antonin Kinsky and Guglielmo Vicario.

We know that Vicario is not the greatest with the ball at his feet, but we would not expect De Zerbi to drop him should he be made Tottenham boss.

In front of the goalkeeper, a likely back four would consist of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.

We know that Romero is comfortable pushing up and defending high up the pitch, which could work in the Italian’s aggressive man-to-man system, while van de Ven’s pace could also be a bonus should he opt for a high line.

In midfield, we would expect to see some youthfulness, with De Zerbi turning to Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall as his pivots.

We have seen Gray show great composure in build-up play this season, and we would expect De Zerbi to use him in that deep-lying role, while Bergvall is used as a box-crasher.

Just in front of them, we would expect Xavi Simons to operate as the number 10, adding more creativity to Spurs’ play in the final third.

Up top, we can expect to see a front three of Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison and Mathys Tel.

Kudus and Tel will bring some much-needed directness and creativity on the flanks, similar to Mitoma at Brighton, and we would expect De Zerbi to hand the two such creative freedom to take on their man and make something happen.

The final line-up: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Gray, Bergvall; Tel, Simons, Kudus; Richarlison

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