Roberto De Zerbi is being encouraged to give Tottenham’s teenage prospect Luca Williams-Barnett a first start when Spurs travel to Leeds United on Saturday.
The 18-year-old academy product made his Premier League bow against Crystal Palace, replacing Mathys Tel late in the game. In the closing minutes he made a real impression on the home crowd, using his pace and technique to beat two defenders before setting up Mohammed Kudus, who should have found the net. After the game, De Zerbi called him a “great talent,” while Steven Gerrard tipped him as “one to watch.”
The Palace result was Tottenham’s third straight league win, and the focus now shifts to Elland Road. Williams-Barnett is expected to be in the matchday squad at minimum, so De Zerbi has to choose between starting him or keeping him as an option off the bench.
A football.london poll of 3,134 fans asked whether he should get his full debut against Leeds. Around 65 per cent said yes, believing he has earned the opportunity, while 34 per cent said no, arguing there is no need to hurry him. The final 1 per cent were undecided.
Nothing is confirmed yet, though the youngster was seen training with the senior squad at Hotspur Way this week.
De Zerbi explained his approach by saying that his attitude doesn’t change when working with talented young players. He felt the Palace game was the right moment for the debut, and he stressed that the teenager has big quality and is a major talent.
