Following an impressive debut marked by two goals against Charlton in the Carabao Cup, Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has set an ambitious target for newcomer Savio. The coach believes that for the talented winger to reach his full potential and significantly contribute to the team, he must increase his goal output, aiming for 10 to 12 goals this season. De Zerbi also highlighted the versatility and strong performance of another recent acquisition, Mateus Fernandes, praising his ability to excel in multiple midfield roles and his tenacious ball-winning skills.
Spurs' New Signings Shine: Savio's Goal Challenge and Fernandes' Versatility Lauded by De Zerbi
In a thrilling Carabao Cup encounter on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Tottenham secured a resounding 5-1 victory over Charlton, a match that saw a stunning debut from new signing Savio. The Brazilian winger wasted no time in making his mark, netting two impressive goals that immediately caught the attention of manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Following the match, De Zerbi expressed immense satisfaction with Savio's instant impact, stating, "It was a perfect day for him." However, the discerning manager quickly shifted focus to the next phase of the winger's development, emphasizing that a significant increase in goal-scoring is imperative. "I think his biggest step, his biggest improvement is to increase the number of goals," De Zerbi commented. He elaborated on his vision for top-tier wingers, explaining, "As qualities, I think he is one of the best wingers, but the best wingers score many goals." To this end, De Zerbi revealed a direct conversation with Savio, setting a clear objective: "We put the goal on 10-12 goals because we need 10-12 goals from the wingers." The manager underscored the importance of this target by referencing the previous season's challenges, where a lack of goals from wide players hampered the team's competitiveness.
Beyond Savio, De Zerbi also reserved praise for another fresh face, Mateus Fernandes, who delivered a standout performance against Charlton. De Zerbi hailed Fernandes as "another big talent," highlighting the midfielder's invaluable versatility. "We are lucky because he can cover two positions on the pitch, like a pivot or number 10," the coach noted. Fernandes' contributions extended beyond positional flexibility; De Zerbi commended his quality on the ball, dynamic play, and fighting spirit, specifically mentioning his exceptional ability to regain possession in duels during the last season.
These early performances from Tottenham's new recruits signal a promising outlook for the upcoming season, as De Zerbi meticulously shapes a squad capable of competing at the highest level, driven by clear objectives and a focus on both individual and collective improvement.
The integration of new talent and the clear directives from the coaching staff, particularly regarding goal contributions, underscore a strategic approach to team building. It highlights the modern demands on attacking players to not only create but also to finish, pushing them to evolve beyond traditional roles. This focus on specific, measurable targets could be a blueprint for maximizing player potential and achieving collective success in competitive leagues.
