Omar Marmoush has everything it takes to succeed at Tottenham under Roberto de Zerbi this season
Tottenham fans finally got to see Omar Marmoush make his debut for the club against Newcastle United on Saturday. The Lilywhites came out on the losing side at home against the Magpies, leaving Roberto de Zerbi with plenty to ponder ahead of the crucial tie at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest. The North Londoners failed to find the back of the net for a second consecutive game, highlighting the need for the club to bring in additional attacking reinforcements before deadline day.
However, it is fair to say that Marmoush had a promising debut last weekend. The Egypt international was determined to prove his worth at N17 and was heavily involved in most of the positive moves that Spurs put together in the final third. He played as a lone striker up top, replacing Dominic Solanke in the starting eleven. And it can be said that the 27-year-old showed plenty of promising signs during certain stages of the match that were worth noting.
Signing Marmoush seemed to be a no-brainer for the North Londoners after it became clear that he wanted to seek a new opportunity this summer. The Egypt international did not enjoy regular game time at Manchester City as he was continuously competing with Erling Haaland for a place in the starting eleven. Having made only 21 league appearances last season, the 27-year-old made it clear that he would have to leave the Etihad Stadium to reignite his career in the Premier League.
Omar Marmoush could feature heavily in Roberto de Zerbi’s Tottenham side
Omar Marmoush impressed on his Tottenham debut after taking the field against Newcastle United. The Egypt international proved to be a menace in and around the box, constantly carving out chances for himself while working hard to create space for his teammates. The prolific striker had a great chance to open his account for the Lilywhites in style when he found acres of space in the box during a corner. The ball came towards him and he struck a volley towards goal from close range, only to see his effort hit the side-netting.
However, football expert Guilherme Mirra believes Marmoush will prove to be an instant hit for Spurs under Roberto de Zerbi this season. Writing for Squawka, Mirra said,
“Tottenham looked looser and more threatening with Omar Marmoush leading the line than Richarlison. But Marmoush is still a better player nevertheless, and could provide more efficient play as a false nine, dragging defenders away from the box. The Egyptian has more vision to pick out passes for infiltrating teammates, and even led Spurs in chances created against Newcastle (3). He also didn’t misplace a single pass in that afternoon, completing all 19 of his attempts.”
The renowned football expert added,
“And also more ability to sustain contact and win duels, as he showed by completing four of his five take-ons. Marmoush already looked more comfortable in 90 minutes under De Zerbi than in 18 months under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Making sure this continues could be a good way to get decent attacking returns from him – which also includes benefitting everyone around him.”
How to profile Omar Marmoush correctly?
Omar Marmoush’s case is one that has proved difficult to decode. There is no denying the fact that the Egypt international possesses immense talent. But after a disappointing spell at Manchester City, the onus now falls on Roberto de Zerbi to profile him correctly and help the player regain his confidence in the coming months. His performance against Newcastle United, where he created three goal-scoring chances, recorded a 100% pass completion rate, and won four of his five take-ons, gives De Zerbi plenty to work with in the upcoming matches.
Marmoush could do well playing either as a second striker or as a false nine in Roberto de Zerbi’s system. He found plenty of space in the pockets between the opposition defence and midfield, and it is fair to say that the talented forward made full use of that opportunity. His explosive pace, clinical finishing, and ability to lure defenders out of position could easily help the 27-year-old get back to his best at N17. Having willing runners like Mykhailo Mudryk, Mohammed Kudus, and Savio on either side of him could help Marmoush showcase his true quality in the Premier League.