Roberto De Zerbi may have just revealed why Tottenham smashed transfer record for Mateus Fernandes
Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur rebuild is really taking shape.
Following the signings of Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, Spurs smashed their transfer record to sign Mateus Fernandes, and they are not done there.
Fernandes arrives for £85million after an impressive year despite West Ham's relegation.
Alongside three goals and four assists, the Portugal U21 international proved a talismanic figure in the middle of the park for the Irons.
De Zerbi kept Spurs in the Premier League at their expense, earning the reins in the transfer market as a result.
And when it comes to Fernandes, there is nobody more suited to his style of play - something the Italian has backed up himself.
What has Roberto De Zerbi said after Mateus Fernandes signing?
Initially impressing in the Premier League with Southampton, Fernandes earned a move to West Ham last summer.
Across multiple midfield roles, the 21-year-old impressed enough to attract attention across the continent, before Spurs ultimately sealed his signing.
"I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play." said De Zerbi.
"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.
"Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in dificult moments.
"I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I'm excited to start working with him," concluded the Spurs boss.
Despite missing out on a World Cup spot, the Portuguese youngster is incredibly highly rated, especially by his new boss, who he could become an integral cog under.
De Zerbi to have blast to the past with Fernandes
Throughout his managerial career, De Zerbi has become well renowned for his attacking style of play.
For this to work correctly, he has always relied upon a midfielder operating in somewhat of a 'hub' role - whether this be Manuel Locatelli at Sassuolo, or Alexis Mac Allister at Brighton.
Fernandes fits this mould perfectly.
With 1,366 successful passes at a success rate of 87.5 per cent, he is always looking to make something happen, while he perfected 110 long balls.
In De Zerbi's system, the centre-backs will likely look to invite an opposition press, before the midfield are relied upon to quickly spring attacks after receiving, with Fernandes' willingness to progress the play seeing him fit perfectly here.
He is also more than comfortable defensively, having made 368 defensive contributions in the league last term.
Next term, it is likely that he will fit into this role, and be responsible for what is coming out of midfield next term, and Spurs really do need that, after the issues seen there last term.