Roberto De Zerbi Accepts Challenge of Replacing Injured Xavi Simons at Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur secured their first Premier League victory since December 28, overcoming Wolves at Molineux. The celebrations from players, coaching staff, and traveling fans underscored the desperate need for this win, despite it not altering their position in the league table.
Meanwhile, West Ham’s late win over Everton, thanks to a goal from substitute Callum Wilson, kept Tottenham firmly in the relegation zone. On Saturday, West Ham lost 3-0 to Brentford, creating an opportunity for Spurs to move out of the relegation zone if they can win against Aston Villa in their upcoming match.
Roberto De Zerbi is determined to keep fighting, urging his players “to die” on the pitch in the remaining four games to secure the club’s Premier League status. The squad faces a further setback with season-ending injuries to Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke. Despite these challenges, De Zerbi expressed confidence during his press conference, stating that the team has the qualities to win their final matches.
The pressing question among Tottenham fans is how De Zerbi intends to fill the gap left by Simons in his starting lineup.
Chris Waddle Recommends James Maddison to Boost Tottenham’s Creativity
Xavi Simons’ season came to a heartbreaking end due to an ACL injury sustained last weekend, leaving a significant void in the squad. The Dutch midfielder had become a key inspirational figure in recent matches. With both Simons and Mohammed Kudus out for the season, Spurs are struggling for creativity and vision from midfield.
James Maddison has been on the bench for the last two games, having not played a single competitive minute this season as he recovers from his own ACL injury sustained at the start of August 2025. De Zerbi has outlined a plan to integrate the creative midfielder into the team’s future games.
Whether Maddison will be utilized remains uncertain, but Chris Waddle, a Spurs legend, believes that De Zerbi may need to take a calculated risk to address the squad’s creativity issues. Waddle suggests now is the perfect opportunity for Maddison to make a significant impact for the struggling North London club.
“I just wonder if he [De Zerbi] can get Maddison in the team. I think he’s a good player. We know the lad can create. And when he gets a ball and if he’s feeling fit and he’s confident about his knee, then he’s got to be put into the team because he is a creative player.”– Chris Waddle stated in an exclusive interview with The Standard.
As Maddison continues his recovery following nine months off the pitch, De Zerbi remains cautious about hurrying the return of the talented playmaker. Valid concerns persist; despite being named on the bench, the medical team has yet to authorize him to play. Rushing him back could lead to a relapse, a risk neither Maddison nor the club can afford. While Maddison is undoubtedly the most creative player in the squad and could inject vital energy into the club’s survival efforts, his competitive readiness for the match against Villa remains in question.