Roberto De Zerbi has so far been reluctant to lean on Tottenham’s academy since taking charge in north London, describing the management of young players as “very complicated” given the club’s struggles.
The Spurs boss has admitted that while he does not want to throw the club’s academy players into a “bad situation”, he also doesn’t want to “forget them”. With Spurs still winless in the Premier League this season, it has been difficult for him to take a risk on the next batch of youth products out of Hotspur Way.
The recent extended three-week international break has, however, given De Zerbi pause for thought, with several Tottenham youngsters impressing after being drafted in to replace key senior figures away with their respective countries.
Catching the eye: Tottenham youngster Tyrese Hall has impressed Roberto De Zerbi
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Tyrese Hall was expected to head out on loan this season after travelling with Tottenham’s first team on their pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia.
Hall, though, remained at the club and joined back up with Wayne Burnett’s Under-21s.
At 21 years old, and with a loan spell at Notts County already under his belt, Hall could be forgiven for being frustrated at failing to secure regular senior minutes this season.
Instead, Standard Sport understands that the midfielder’s attitude and performances for the U21s have impressed De Zerbi and his coaching staff, leading to increased involvement with the first team.
Training under De Zerbi is as intense as Spurs’ high-pressing style suggests, and the Italian has noted how seamlessly Hall has adapted to the pace of his sessions. His spatial awareness has also drawn praise.
During pre-season, De Zerbi viewed Hall as a No10. But as the pair have spent more time together, Hall’s role has evolved, and there is a feeling that his versatility could help his first-team prospects.
Given Spurs’ league position and the competition for minutes in midfield, opportunities are expected to remain scarce for Hall, who has yet to be named in a Premier League squad, but his increased first-team exposure has not gone unnoticed.
Standard Sport understands there will be loan and permanent options on the table in January, but for now Hall will hope to break into Spurs’ first team.