Roberto De Zerbi Tactics: Learn About his Formation, Style of Play & Transformative Ideas

Roberto De Zerbi's Tactics and Style of Play

Roberto De Zerbi tactics can be summarised in a simple phrase - calculated risk. His football is not only about attack or defence, but it's also more of a playing style with control and precision. He turned Sassuolo into one of the most entertaining and unpredictable sides in Serie A over the last decade through his focus on intelligent positioning and possession. He likes to dominate in the middle, keeping the passing area wide. Roberto De Zerbi style of play heavily depends on a 4-2-3-1 shape, mostly with the ball in possession.

But, he loves to transform it into a 3-2-5, pushing full-backs high and creating width to keep the ball in possession. Be it at Brighton & Hove Albion or at Marseille, what made De Zerbi outstanding as a tactical genius was the build-up play. He actually allows teams to attack his defense, drawing opponents deep into their half. As soon as a mistake is made, his sides play quick vertical passes to find the space in the middle before orchestrating a quick attack. Roberto De Zerbi tactics allow his teams to use a mid-to-high press.

Roberto De Zerbi Tactics Comparison & Evolution

The tactical journey of the new Spurs manager is something that needs to be studied. He, just like another young manager, started with aggressive attacking football. But time and experience have changed Roberto De Zerbi style of play to a controlled and balanced system. For example, he gave a lot of freedom to the players and depended on vertical passing, even at the expense of his tactics sometimes. Back then, Roberto De Zerbi formation adopted 4-2-3-1, a shape that focused more on transitions and quick combinations. His team was entertaining, but vulnerable.
But when he took over at Brighton and Hove Albion, he made revolutionary changes to his approach to the game. He kept the shape of his team similar, but the system was upgraded. Build-up plays are not transitions anymore; they are parts of a calculated and mature strategy. De Zerbi has also mastered the art of deception by manipulating the tactics of the opposition. He prefers to lure them into a trap in the guise of open space in front of his goal box before punishing them for the offences.

Roberto De Zerbi Trophies and Achievements as a Manager

The list of Roberto De Zerbi trophies and achievements doesn't actually show what the new Tottenham Hotspur manager has earned so far in a black coat. With Shakhtar, he managed to be the Ukrainian Super Cup champion in 2021. For his intellectual presence and excellent contribution to world football, he was awarded the Enzo Bearzot Award in 2022. But his biggest achievement will be earning Brighton their first-ever European appearance by sending them to the Europa League in 2023-24.

How Does Roberto De Zerbi Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Look Like?

Tottenham Hotspur needed identity amidst chaos, and De Zerbi is the perfect man to deliver that. The current squad of the Premier League side is said to be perfect for him to build a fluid setup. Roberto De Zerbi lineup at Tottenham Hotspur will definitely go with his familiar 4-2-3-1 formation, with Vicario in front of the goal line. Romero and Van de Ven will provide him with defensive aggression and speed at the back, with Porro inverting into the wide midfield.

Mohammed Kudus and Conor Gallagher or Dejan Kulusevski will play both anchor and creative roles, while players like Xavi Simons and Solanke will provide the killer passes for the likes of Richarlison and Kolo Muani. Up front, Solanke would suit Roberto De Zerbi tactics more than the French forward, though. The Englishman is an all-rounder. He can create and finish, perfect for the Italian's fluid system.

Roberto De Zerbi's lineup at Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Danso; Conor Gallagher; Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, Dejan Kulusevski; Dominic Solanke, Richarlison.