{"id":1441669,"date":"2026-04-04T10:14:45","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T09:14:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=features&#038;p=1441669"},"modified":"2026-04-04T10:16:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T09:16:11","slug":"tactical-analysis-manuel-locatelli-tottenham-juventus","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-manuel-locatelli-tottenham-juventus\/","title":{"rendered":"Manuel Locatelli analysis: Why Tottenham want the Juventus star to transform De Zerbi\u2019s midfield"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tottenham-players-benefit-roberto-de-zerbi\/\">Roberto De Zerbi was named Tottenham head coach<\/a> in the week.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Italian succeeds Igor Tudor at the Spurs helm. He\u2019s their third manager of what has been a disastrous season. Indeed, the north London side face the very real threat of relegation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>In this article, we&#8217;ll cover:<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-de-zerbi-s-five-year-deal\" data-level=\"3\">De Zerbi&#8217;s five-year deal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-spurs-want-locatelli\" data-level=\"3\">Why Spurs want Locatelli<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-locatelli-compared-to-spurs-midfielders\" data-level=\"3\">Locatelli compared to Spurs midfielders<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-a-pipe-dream-signing\" data-level=\"3\">A pipe dream signing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With seven games of the season to go, the 2025 Europa League winners sit just one point above 18th-placed West Ham. They needed a shot in the arm to boost their survival hopes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-de-zerbi-s-five-year-deal\">De Zerbi&#8217;s five-year deal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First up for De Zerbi and his news Spurs squad is the trip to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland next weekend. They then return home for the welcome of Brighton later this month. The capital side see out the season with games against Wolves, Aston Villa, Leeds, Chelsea and Everton. It\u2019ll be touch and go to determine whether they stay up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">De Zerbi, though, has penned a five-year deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. There\u2019s reportedly no relegation clause in his contract. Like a testing marriage, he\u2019s invested in the long term through thick and thin, or so we\u2019re led to believe.<\/p>\n\n\n<hr \/>\r\n<h2><strong>Bet \u00a310 &amp; Get \u00a330 in Free Bets with Bet365<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p>Not signed up to bet365 yet? 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Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&amp;Cs apply.<\/em><\/p>\r\n<hr \/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the core reasons behind his decision to sign such a lengthy deal is that De Zerbi is believed to have greater control on matters behind the scenes. The former Marseille boss is said to have plenty of say in transfer targets. He points, the club punches. While fans have heard that tune before, that the hot-headed 46-year-old has signed a lengthy deal despite the penchant for criticising the decision-makers speaks volumes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-spurs-want-locatelli\">Why Spurs want Locatelli<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And if reports are to be believed, one of De Zerbi\u2019s primary targets is Juventus and Italy midfielder Manuel Locatelli. Central midfield is a problematic position for Spurs. The club desperately lack attacking thrust from a key area of the pitch. A deep-lying playmaker has been found wanting. They rank bottom for attempted through balls (22) in the Premier League this season.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/04100435\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-6-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1441670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/04100435\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-6-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/04100435\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-6-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/04100435\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-6-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/04100435\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-6-1229x1536.jpg 1229w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/04100435\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-6-214x267.jpg 214w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/04100435\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-6-160x200.jpg 160w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/04100435\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-6-48x60.jpg 48w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/04100435\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-6-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/04\/04100435\/season_stat-leader-top-10-betway-6.jpg 1620w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The addition of a player of Locatelli\u2019s calibre would immediately help to boost this return. The 28-year-old ranks eighth for attempted through balls (9) in Serie A this season. Of those nine, six have been accurate. Only two players place higher than Locatelli for this metric. For context, Spurs, as a collective, have made just six accurate through balls in England\u2019s top tier this term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spurs really lack the player with the eye for a defence-splitting pass. Locatelli would rectify that issue quickly. What\u2019s more, Locatelli has created 36 chances in Serie A this season. Just one of those have come from set-piece situations. He\u2019s capable of playing the decisive ball from open play from central areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given Rodrigo Bentancur, with nine, tops this metric of central midfielders for Spurs, it\u2019s evident that the north London side are lacking a player of Locatelli\u2019s skill set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-locatelli-compared-to-spurs-midfielders\">Locatelli compared to Spurs midfielders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In terms of overall distribution, Locatelli also trumps Spurs\u2019 current central midfield options. A 88.69% pass accuracy from 85 passes per 90 is an improvement on De Zerbi\u2019s current midfielders on offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Admittedly, Juventus play a more dominant style of football. A 57% possession average ranks fourth in Serie A. By comparison, Spurs have been playing pragmatic football for the duration of the season. Bad habits implemented from Thomas Frank\u2019s reign are difficult to eradicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet a player of Locatelli\u2019s player would elevate the calibre of midfield personnel available to De Zerbi. Off the ball, too, he\u2019s a hugely effective ball winner. Granted, few can hold a candle to possession-winning machine Joao Palhinha, the Portuguese star\u2019s primary duty to rid opponents of the ball.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class='vccm vccm-compare'data-compare=\"fye3CVXv-77w-g1B3qAwF\" data-show-sponsor=\"false\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Locatelli does his best to give Palhinha a run for his money. The Italian is averaging 3.2 tackles and winning 4.8 ground duels per 90 in Serie A this season. What\u2019s more, he\u2019s returning a 60.91% ground duel success rate. All three metrics are second to Palhinha, and far higher than any other Spurs central midfielder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-pipe-dream-signing\">A pipe dream signing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, any move for Locatelli is dependent on Spurs consolidating a Premier League spot. Swapping Juventus for this down-and-out Spurs side would also be something of a sideways step for the player, too. However, a rumoured desire to work under De Zerbi works in the Premier League outfit\u2019s favour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a move that seems a pipe dream for supporters. It\u2019s one that fans hope become a reality. Locatelli would bring some much-needed attacking impetus to this Spurs side. While the likes of Adam Wharton and Angelo Stiller appear unattainable, Locatelli is one that may come to fruition. Remain in the Premier League and he should be the club\u2019s top summer target.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/\"><strong>Latest football news<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football betting tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best betting sites<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/best-free-bet-offers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Best free bet offers<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/accumulator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Football accumulator tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-articles-list\">\n                <div 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size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Newcastle vs Liverpool stats and analysis: Reds strike late to tarnish promising Jaissle debut\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-newcastle-vs-liverpool-23-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Newcastle vs Liverpool stats and analysis: Reds strike late to tarnish promising Jaissle debut                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/chris-smith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Chris Jones                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-man-city-vs-bournemouth-23-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/23161508\/3FB8WK5-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Man City vs Bournemouth stats and analysis: Cherki changes the game to save Maresca blushes\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-man-city-vs-bournemouth-23-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Man City vs Bournemouth stats and analysis: Cherki changes the game to spare Maresca blushes                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/chris-smith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                              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class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-hull-city-vs-man-united-22-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/22151813\/HullUnited220826_ID3FB2DYK-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-hull-city-vs-man-united-22-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 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src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/08\/21215146\/ArsenalCoventry210826_ID3FAWX1T-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/post-match-analysis-arsenal-vs-coventry-city-21-08-26\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Arsenal vs Coventry City stats and analysis: How Gunners handed Sky Blues &#8216;welcome to the Premier League&#8217; moment                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/guilhermemirra\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Guilherme Mirra                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">4 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Roberto De Zerbi was named Tottenham head coach in the week. The Italian succeeds Igor Tudor at the Spurs helm. He\u2019s their third manager of what has been a disastrous season. Indeed, the north London side face the very real threat of relegation. With seven games of the season to go, the 2025 Europa League&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3564,"featured_media":1441673,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Tottenham target Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli as Roberto De Zerbi looks to fix Spurs\u2019 creativity issues.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1441669","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Manuel Locatelli analysis: Why Tottenham want the Juventus star to transform De Zerbi\u2019s midfield | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tottenham target Juventus midfielder 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