Roberto De Zerbi accepts new Tottenham signing Savio must score more goals, but believes his side have landed one the game’s best in one-on-one situations.
Tottenham on Monday completed the transfer for an initial £75million, spending a significant amount on a winger who has to this point struggled to consistently make a tangible impact in the Premier League.
Savio, who has reverted to that name having previously gone by Savinho, made 84 appearances for City following his move £30.8million move from French side Troyes in 2024. He was signed by the City Football Group from Atlético Mineiro in 2022.
However, Savinho scored just seven goals and registered 13 assists in his two seasons at the Etihad Stadium, and the size of the transfer fee Tottenham have paid for the services of a player with an underwhelming number of goal contributions has raised eyebrows.
But De Zerbi is confident Tottenham have signed a player with the qualities to be much more productive.
“If you analyse the last season, you need attackers to create chances to score,” De Zerbi told a press conference ahead of Tottenham’s EFL Cup tie with Charlton Athletic.
“In terms of one vs one he’s one of the best players, he can play left or right. I’ve known him for a long time, before he went to City. He’s a big player for us.
“For sure he has to achieve, so good in 1v1 and in creating scoring chances. To be complete he has to score.
“If you analyse other best wingers in the world, many of them score 10 or 15 per season. He has the qualities, maybe it’s habits, because he has to be focused on the 1v1 and to score.
“We have to increase the numbers of big chances to score and goals. To become a top team scoring more goals.”
The signing of Savio takes Tottenham’s spending for the summer window over the £300m mark.
Spurs started four new signings in their Premier League opener at Brentford last Saturday, but were comfortably beaten 3-0.
Tottenham were without centre-back and captain Micky van de Ven due to a muscle injury, while full-back Pedro Porro was unavailable because of a lack of match fitness after helping Spain win the World Cup. Mohamed Kudus also missed out having not played since January, while Dominic Solanke was only fit enough for a place on the bench.
But De Zerbi had positive injury updates on three of that quartet, while indicating James Maddison will not be involved against Charlton.
“Micky Van de Ven [will come] on the bench. Pedro Porro comes on the bench,” De Zerbi said.
“Solanke is available to start the game. Savio I don’t know if he’s ready to play or come on the bench. But great news to have Micky and Pedro Porro inside.
“Mohammed Kudus is not ready yet. Maddison suffered a small injury in the shoulder.”
