Marcos Senesi quietly gave Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke even more motivation
Micky van de Ven's injury means two new signings are set to start at the heart of Roberto De Zerbi's defence on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
Tottenham travel to Brentford on Saturday afternoon, aiming to kick-start De Zerbi's first full season in charge with a victory.
The club has done much to transform its personnel this summer, and David Ornstein's recent 'bomba' suggests a double Manchester City swoop will reinvigorate the frontline. Omar Marmoush and Savinho may well be heading to N17, but it's unlikely that either deal will go through in time so they can play at the weekend.
Thus, remnants of 2025/26 will remain. We're counting on our new additions in defence and midfield to offer a much-needed sense of freshness.
Free agent arrival Marcos Senesi partnered Jan Paul van Hecke in last Saturday's preseason win over Hoffenheim, and the pair will line up together in west London. Both showcased their defensive proactivity and capacity to break lines at will against the Bundesliga team, and Senesi, in particular, gave his comrades in the centre-back depth chart plenty of food for thought.
Marcos Senesi has the potential to displace Micky van de Ven
“Marcos’ experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively," De Zerbi said after the Argentine joined the club in June.
“He’s comfortable playing in a possession-based team, reads the game very well and has the personality to thrive in a demanding environment," the boss added.
Senesi, statistically, ranked among the most proficient ball-playing centre-backs in the Premier League last season. He's far too good to be consigned to the bench all season, and my bold take is that by the time Van de Ven gets up to speed, Senesi has rendered himself undroppable.
Now, Spurs have just handed Van de Ven a lucrative new deal, and De Zerbi has previously labelled the Dutchman as one of the best in the league at his position. However, an argument could be made that Senesi is the better tactical fit for De Zerbi. The former Bournemouth defender is an outstanding passer, and a hugely valuable asset in the build-up phase. The Italian's framework isn't for the faint hearted, but Senesi boasts the serenity and technique to thrive. He rarely gets flustered.
Our No. 37, meanwhile, is a powerful carrier of the ball, but De Zerbi's build-up relies upon short, intricate passes rather than lung-busting carries out of defence.
Van de Ven is an athletic phenomenon; there's no denying that, but I'm confident Senesi will force the manager into a tricky dilemma in short order. There's a world where Senesi is used alongside the two Dutchmen in a back three, or he forces Van de Ven into a leftback role.
Given Destiny Udogie's injury woes, that may well be a legitimate option.
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