Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is failing to get the best out of marquee midfielder Mateus Fernandes by playing him out of position.
Tottenham Hotspur secured the high-profile transfer of Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer, beating rival Premier League clubs to sign the 22-year-old from West Ham United for a fee of £85m.
Despite the massive financial investment, the young talent has struggled for regular momentum under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, starting only three out of five league matches in North London so far this season, according to information published by FF2 Futebol.
The tactical dilemma centers on De Zerbi deploying Fernandes as an advanced number 10 instead of utilizing his natural ball-winning and deep-lying distribution skills, which previously made him a standout performer in English football.
Roberto De Zerbi defends public criticism of Mateus Fernandes
Following a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa at home, De Zerbi substituted Fernandes at halftime and publicly addressed the player's performance in his post-match media duties.
The Italian manager stated that he has big confidence in the player and loves him dearly, but admitted he simply did not like the performance and wanted more from him in that specific tactical role.
However, football analysts argue that shifting a natural central midfielder into an unfamiliar advanced role reflects poorly on the coaching staff rather than the individual player's capabilities.
Why Mateus Fernandes thrived at West Ham and Southampton
During his previous stints with Southampton and West Ham United, Fernandes established his reputation by operating from a deeper midfield position where he could drive the team forward effectively.
Statistical records from the previous Premier League campaign highlight his incredible output, as he created 37 chances, registered 28 successful dribbles, and completed 103 tackles.
His tenacity and defensive work rate made him the perfect signing for a Tottenham squad that desperately needed a central midfielder capable of advancing play cleanly from deep areas.
Tottenham tactical issues and De Zerbi double pivot
De Zerbi has heavily relied on a double pivot featuring summer signing Sandro Tonali and experienced midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, creating a noticeable disconnect between the defensive blocks and the attack.
Although Tottenham boasts a high possession rate of 60.7%, which ranks third best in the division, they average only 9.6 chances created per game and sit down in 13th place.
Critics suggest that dropping one of the deeper midfielders and moving Fernandes back to his favored position would instantly unlock his true potential and help the team climb the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tottenham sign Mateus Fernandes?
Tottenham signed Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for £85m to add a dynamic central midfielder capable of advancing play from deep and winning the ball back.
How has Mateus Fernandes performed under Roberto De Zerbi?
Mateus Fernandes has had a difficult start under Roberto De Zerbi, starting only three league games and being deployed out of position as a number 10.
What are the main strengths of Mateus Fernandes?
Mateus Fernandes excels as a ball-winning and distributing midfielder, having recorded 103 tackles and 37 created chances during the previous Premier League season.
What tactical changes do experts recommend for Tottenham?
Experts suggest Roberto De Zerbi should drop one player from his double pivot and move Mateus Fernandes back into his natural deeper midfield role to improve creativity.
