Tottenham gem Callum Olusesi and Roberto De Zerbi
Callum Olusesi and Roberto De ZerbiManh Tung, Breaking Media

Callum Olusesi’s two-goal Tottenham display papers over some obvious cracks for Roberto De Zerbi

Declan Carr

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at Sports Mole and VAVEL; Masters graduate from Liverpool John Moores University. FOCUS Breaking news, long-form analysis, and club-level insight across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Declan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the depth behind the headlines — from breaking news to analytical deep-dives — to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Roberto De Zerbi may have second thoughts about Callum Olusesi at Tottenham.

The 19-year-old is one of the brightest talents at Hotspur Way, and has already made three appearances for the senior side.

The Under-21 star would have been hoping to add to that this season, given the issues that the first-team have had.

Olusesi managed two goals and an assist in the academy side's 4-2 win over Manchester City on Saturday.

However, those contributions only serve to paper over the obvious cracks, amid his overall performance for Wayne Burnett's side.

He still has a long way to go if he is to be called upon to step up into the midfield.

How did Callum Olusesi perform in Tottenham Under-21 win over Manchester City?

Olusesi's overall showing against the Citizens' academy was not the best.

The goal contributions actually mask a pretty poor display from the Lambeth-born ace.

He managed a 77 per cent pass accuracy and only made one pass into the final third, according to Fotmob data.

Olusesi created two chances, but failed with both long balls that he attempted in the contest, and was dispossessed twice.

Defensively, he made just one tackle and two recoveries, and also won just one of six ground duels, for a 17 per cent success rate.

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What's next for Olusesi?

Olusesi's latest display shows that he is still miles away from a first-team berth.

The goals and assists will take the headlines, but a deeper look at his performance shows that he is not ready.

The competition in the engine room is probably the hardest in Spurs' squad, with the likes of Sandro Tonali, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mateus Fernandes, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall in the mix.

He will give them no trouble while he plays the way that he did last time out.

De Zerbi may notice the two strikes and the set-up for a teammate, but if he takes a closer look, he will see the concerns and not call him into the fold.

The best move right now would be a loan to allow him to develop in senior football, and come back as a better player.

The likes of Mikey Moore and Souza, two of the Lilywhites' brightest prospects have went away on loan, at that should be the path for Olusesi too.

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