The Argentine is currently out at the World Cup, and his profile looks tailor-made for Roberto De Zerbi’s system at Tottenham.
While De Zerbi already has familiarity with Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi looks like another centre-back built specifically for his style of play. Spurs acted fast to secure the free transfer, with the move set to be confirmed this Wednesday once his Bournemouth contract expires. At 29, the Argentina international arrives with serious pedigree — 116 Premier League appearances and now World Cup minutes alongside Lionel Messi.
Senesi leaves Bournemouth as their Players’ Player of the Year after playing almost every minute of their Premier League campaign, helping the Cherries finish sixth.
He made his World Cup bow on Saturday in a 3-1 win over Jordan, and the performance hinted at exactly the kind of defending De Zerbi wants — baiting the press and threading passes between lines. He completed 94.4% of his 72 passes, including two long balls, added two interceptions and a blocked shot, and played the full match as a late addition to Scaloni’s squad.
His Premier League numbers from last season are even more telling. He topped the league for interceptions with 56 — six clear of second-placed Ethan Ampadu — and ranked second only to James Tarkowski for blocks with 47, well above Van de Ven’s 22 at Spurs. His 253 clearances trailed only Virgil van Dijk.
But it’s his ball-playing ability that really stands out for a De Zerbi defender. Senesi led the league for passes into the final third (516, ahead of Van Dijk’s 425) and successful long passes (182). He created 24 chances for teammates, mostly from open play, and his 144 line-breaking passes into the final third were bettered by just one player — his new Spurs teammate, Van Hecke.
Tottenham fans may recall one of his through balls last season setting up Evanilson’s winner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Only Lewis Dunk, Van Hecke, and Van Dijk attempted more passes than him across the whole campaign.
Both he and Van Hecke are also comfortable carrying the ball forward — Van Hecke led the entire league with 920 carries, while Senesi ranked fifth overall with 591.
Bottom line: Tottenham have brought in one defender already shaped by De Zerbi and another who looks ready-made for everything the Italian demands.
