Roberto De Zerbi has obvious Alfie Devine solution to Tottenham’s number one issue
Roberto De Zerbi could utilise Alfie Devine to solve Tottenham Hotspur‘s biggest issue next season.
Spurs have lacked creativity all season, creating the fourth-lowest expected goals tally in the Premier League, with a figure of 41.75, per Understat.
Only Wolves (33.59), Burnley (33.75) and Sunderland (38.28) have created less than the Lilywhites, which is a major concern.
The Warrington-born youngster has excelled in the Championship with Preston this season, sparking clamour for a first-team berth.
Devine will return to Tottenham this summer, and that could be a huge boost for the Italian manager, for the upcoming campaign as he is an obvious solution to the problem.
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Why Devine could solve key Tottenham issue
Devine has stood out away from Tottenham, and he is surely set for a chance with the senior side after an impressive loan spell.
He notched eight goals and six assists in the second tier, per Sofascore, which is not a margin to be sniffed at by any means.
The midfielder averaged a total of 1.9 shots and 1.2 key passes and created nine big chances for his teammates at Deepdale.
| Devine’s stats this season | Championship |
| Matches | 45 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Shots averaged | 1.9 |
| Key passes | 1.2 |
| Dribble attempts completed | 57% |
| Lost possession | 10.9 |
He completed 57 per cent of his dribble attempts and lost possession 10.9 times per game, showing that he is not afraid to try and make something happen.
His youthful exuberance and ability to create would be a big bonus for De Zerbi next season, he could prove to be the answer to something that has plagued the N17 side.
Why there may be room for Devine
There may well be a space for Devine in the attacking midfield spots when the new campaign comes around.
That is because James Maddison has had injury issues, and Xavi Simons is expected to be out until 2027 with an ACL injury that he suffered in the win over Wolves.
With the Dutchman out of action and uncertainty surrounding the Englishman’s fitness, that could open the door for the 21-year-old and judging from his time in the Championship, he will be ready to take it with both hands.
De Zerbi will be hoping that he can, as it would give him a huge level of relief, and solve something that he has been unable to do so far.
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