Roberto De Zerbi has praised new signings Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, highlighting their leadership, experience, and quality ahead of the new season.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has publicly praised defensive summer additions Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, outlining the specific qualities both players bring to Hotspur Way ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
According to Spurs Insight on X via his recent interview with Tottenham media, the Italian manager emphasized that both left-sided defenders offer crucial attributes required to elevate Tottenham’s tactical standard and competitive mentality. De Zerbi said:
“Robertson gives us a personality and the habits to win, to fight, for the high level. And Senesi, his style of play, his experiences in Premier League and his quality, I think he can be very important for us.”
De Zerbi’s comments highlight a clear strategic focus in Tottenham’s recruitment strategy this summer: pairing established elite leadership with proven Premier League technical quality.
The addition of Andy Robertson represents a major profile boost for Tottenham’s defensive unit. Having won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup during his decorated tenure at Liverpool, the Scotland international captain arrives in North London with extensive big-match experience.
De Zerbi highlighted Robertson’s winning habits and fierce competitiveness as essential leadership traits needed to transform the mentality of the squad. In a backline that has at times lacked vocal authority during high-pressure moments, Robertson provides immediate leadership both on the pitch and inside the dressing room.
Premier League Experience and Tactical Adaptability
Alongside Robertson, the signing of Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth provides De Zerbi with a highly adept, ball-playing central defender. The Argentine international has spent multiple seasons mastering the physical demands and fast pace of English top-flight football, making him an ideal tactical fit for De Zerbi’s progressive build-up system.
Senesi’s comfort in possession, progressive passing range, and aggressive front-foot defensive approach align precisely with De Zerbi’s requirement for center-backs who can initiate attacks from deep positions. With Tottenham preparing for a demanding schedule across domestic competitions and European fixtures, Senesi offers both starting quality and tactical flexibility alongside Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
By securing two defenders who thoroughly understand the physical and mental demands of top-tier football, De Zerbi has successfully strengthened Tottenham’s defensive foundation. As pre-season preparations continue, both Robertson and Senesi are expected to play pivotal roles in establishing Spurs as a resilient unit for the upcoming season.
