The arrival of Roberto De Zerbi at Tottenham Hotspur marks a turning point for a side that has spent much of 2026 nervously glancing at the relegation battle.
His appointment has injected fresh energy into the club, but it also brings tough decisions. De Zerbi’s system demands technically sharp midfielders—players comfortable under pressure and capable of moving the ball quickly and intelligently.
As he assesses his squad, one of the biggest dilemmas revolves around Conor Gallagher. Signed for £35 million from Atletico Madrid in January, expectations were high, but his performances have yet to fully convince.
Tottenham’s situation remains delicate. They sit just above the relegation zone, narrowly ahead of West Ham United, with only a handful of games left. Crucial fixtures, including clashes with Chelsea, mean every decision now carries serious weight.
A major issue this season has been creativity—or the lack of it—in midfield. Injuries to key players like James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski haven’t helped, but even available players have struggled to step up. The current midfield often looks too slow and predictable to break down modern defences.
Gallagher, once compared to a young Dele Alli during Mauricio Pochettino’s era, arrived with a reputation for energy, late runs into the box, and relentless pressing. On paper, he seemed like the perfect addition.
However, his impact has faded after an encouraging start. While his work rate remains unquestioned, he has struggled to adapt to a system that prioritizes composure and precision on the ball. De Zerbi’s philosophy isn’t just about intensity—it’s about control, decision-making, and technical excellence in tight spaces.
At times, Gallagher has looked out of sync with that approach. Instead of influencing games in the final third, he has appeared uncertain of his role, often failing to provide the creativity Spurs desperately need.
This raises a difficult but necessary question: does he fit the new system?
There’s a growing argument that De Zerbi may need to leave him out of the starting lineup in favor of players better suited to a possession-based style. While Gallagher offers energy and defensive effort, his profile may clash with the manager’s vision of controlled, ball-dominant football.
With the summer transfer window approaching, doubts about his long-term future could intensify if performances don’t improve quickly. At this level, sentiment rarely outweighs results, and Tottenham cannot afford passengers while fighting to stay afloat.
Upcoming matches will offer clearer insight into De Zerbi’s thinking, particularly in midfield selection. Whether Gallagher can adapt or younger options emerge, decisive action is required.
For Tottenham to rediscover their attacking identity, they need midfielders who can dictate play and drive the team forward. If a £35 million signing doesn’t align with that vision, De Zerbi may have no choice but to make a bold call.
The margin for error is simply too small.
