Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi says 18-year-old attacking midfielder Luca Williams-Barnett is ready to make his first Premier League start. The youngster could get his chance against Leeds on Saturday.
Williams-Barnett impressed De Zerbi after coming off the bench in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. The young Englishman showed his technical ability by skilfully beating three opponents.
Before the match against Leeds, De Zerbi praised the academy graduate's potential.
"It was clear during pre-season that he was a special talent. You notice players like that straight away. He doesn't even need to do anything extraordinary, you know? You only have to look at everything he does to understand how talented he is.
"The next step is to enjoy playing, listen to senior team-mates such as Andy Robertson, James Maddison and Ben Davies, and gradually find opportunities to get on the pitch."
The Italian also revealed that he had considered starting Williams-Barnett against Chelsea in October.
"It's my responsibility. When you work with young players and such great talents as Luca, the responsibility is even greater.
"He has to be ready when he goes on the pitch. I don't think it depends on the result. He can already start games. Before the Chelsea match, I thought about starting him, but ultimately you have to choose the right moment, including for the player himself.
"I don't think age is that important. What matters is skill, character, behaviour on the pitch and playing qualities. Luca has all of that."
Tottenham are ninth in the Premier League with 12 points from nine matches and are unbeaten in their last four games. Leeds are 12th with 11 points and have not won in five league matches.
Spurs are unbeaten against Leeds in their last six league meetings since May 2021.
