De Zerbi Rests Van de Ven After 4 Straight 90-Minute Games

Q: Why is Richarlison mysteriously sidelined while Tottenham's depleted attack desperately struggles to score in their new possession-based system?

Richarlison appears to be sidelined mainly because of a breakdown in his relationship with Tottenham over his future, not because De Zerbi doubts his ability. De Zerbi has been unusually blunt that the issue is tied to “the last 45 days.” He said Richarlison effectively created the situation himself, that he and the club know what happened, and that he tried to persuade the striker to stay. He also suggested Richarlison and his camp pushed for an exit, while Tottenham explored a sale, including a proposed move to Vasco da Gama that collapsed over personal terms. Richarlison was then left out of Spurs’ Premier League 25-man squad, even though De Zerbi has publicly called him “an important player” and praised his scoring instincts. That explains why his absence looks so strange amid Tottenham’s scoring problems. Spurs’ attack has been hit by injuries and unavailability, with several forwards missing, while the team is still adapting to De Zerbi’s possession-based, short-passing system. The club’s own wider analysis points to a young, heavily changed squad, disrupted cohesion and poor finishing rather than a lack of chance creation alone. So the mystery is less tactical than contractual and relational. De Zerbi seems to believe Richarlison could help a misfiring attack, but the forward’s uncertain commitment, failed transfer efforts and subsequent squad omission have left Tottenham without him just as they are struggling most for goals.

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 10

Micky van de Ven was left out of Tottenham's starting lineup after four consecutive full matches, with Roberto De Zerbi saying the defender needed rest.
Marcos Senesi comes in at centre-back, and De Zerbi said he views him as a first-XI player on the same level as Van de Ven and Tottenham's other central defenders.
Lucas Bergvall and Sandro Tonali were also backed by the coach, who said Bergvall has performed well this season and Tonali is fresh after missing his last international match.
The explanation points to deliberate squad rotation rather than injury, with De Zerbi stressing Tottenham have enough depth to change the lineup.