Since securing Premier League safety with a 1-0 win over Everton in May, the attention of Roberto De Zerbi and Tottenham has firmly shifted to a new way of playing and operating.

The Italian will bring brave possession-based football to N17 and will demand a squad of players capable of playing to his high standards.

The former Brighton and Hove Albion boss will want to utilise the talented crop of players he has at his disposal, as well as bringing in new signings of his own to implement his philosophy. Here are five players we think could define the Roberto De Zerbi era at Tottenham.

1Antonin Kinsky
Goalkeeper
Age 23 Czech Republic

It looked certain Antonin Kinsky's time in North London would be coming to an abrupt end when he was substituted by interim manager Igor Tudor just 17 minutes into a Champions League Round of 16 tie, away to Atlético Madrid in March. The Czech goalkeeper had made two costly errors and Spurs were 3-0 down in a game which ended 5-2.

Despite this, when Guglielmo Vicario was ruled out due to hernia surgery in late March, the newly appointed Roberto De Zerbi put his trust in Kinsky and has later revealed he even considered making him captain for his first match in charge vs Sunderland.

Since then the 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength and was a key part in Tottenham's survival. His world-class save in a 1-1 draw with Leeds United will certainly stick in supporters' minds.

Kinsky has always possessed excellent distribution skills and top footwork for a goalkeeper. His modern style is one that will keep fans on the edge of their seats but will suit De Zerbi's building from the back coaching to perfection. If Tottenham are to achieve the success De Zerbi and his staff are working towards, having a reliable and settled goalkeeper will be a pillar of that.

2Jan Paul Van Hecke
Centre-Back
Netherlands £52m

Anyone who Roberto De Zerbi refers to as his "son" is surely a guarantee to be an important part of the Italian's Tottenham team this season.

Jan Paul Van Hecke, who played under De Zerbi between 2022 and 2024 at Brighton, was reunited with his former boss thanks to a £52 million move to the capital this summer.

Famed for his incisive, line-breaking passing, Van Hecke will hope to hit the ground running at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and be a crucial figure in a more resolute Spurs backline this campaign.

The Dutchman has also previously played with Micky Van De Ven, who is likely to be his new centre-back partner. The pair played together for Netherlands U21s as well as the senior Dutch national team at this summer's World Cup — a partnership that could be key to a strong start for Spurs.

With so many existing relationships on and off the pitch, it is difficult to see this transfer not being a success for Van Hecke and for De Zerbi's high ambitions.

3Pedro Porro
Right Wing-Back
Age 26 Spain · World Cup Winner

Tottenham became the first club in Premier League history to have champions in three successive World Cups when Pedro Porro and Spain lifted the coveted prize in New York last month.

Porro was instrumental in La Roja's triumph, scoring twice in six starts, including a crucial semi-final goal vs France. The 26-year-old, who is yet to return to pre-season training, signed a new five-year deal at Spurs in June, despite interest from some of Europe's top clubs.

Porro's ability to invert into midfield was utilised by De Zerbi at the end of last season and that is something we will surely see more of as the upcoming campaign progresses. His passing and set-piece taking could also be attributes that make him a stalwart of a successful De Zerbi team.

He is a talismanic and popular figure among the Tottenham dressing room and could be a shining light in a new successful era for Spurs.

4Matheus Fernandes
Midfielder
Age 22 Portugal £85m

Tottenham have reinvented their midfield this summer having signed £185 million pair Sandro Tonali and Matheus Fernandes to play under Roberto De Zerbi.

Despite joining with less Premier League pedigree than Tonali, having been relegated with West Ham United last season, the Portuguese has many fans thinking he could be the man to transform Spurs in the middle of the pitch.

Fernandes is a perfectly rounded player with the ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. His tenacity and defensive capabilities are matched by his elite vision and defence-splitting passes.

Unlike Porro and Van Hecke, Fernandes did not go to the World Cup so has had a full pre-season in his new surroundings at Hotspur Way and has already scored a remarkable volley in a friendly vs MK Dons. Having only turned 22 on July 10, there is potential and hope for the £85 million man to become a world class midfielder under De Zerbi this season.

5Luca Williams-Barnett
Attacking Midfielder
Age 17 Academy

It may seem crazy to include a 17-year-old with just three senior appearances to his name in this list, but Luca Williams-Barnett is no ordinary academy footballer.

The young attacking midfielder already has serious pedigree within the game and showcased his talents on Tottenham's pre-season tour to New Zealand and Australia. His mesmerising dribbling ability and exceptional vision are parts of his game that are already truly elite and have many Spurs fans so excited about his future.

With injuries to Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus, there is a real belief the youngster could play a big part in De Zerbi's first full season in charge.

Being just 17, Williams-Barnett has attributes that need refinement, particularly his decision making in the final third, but there is undeniably a special talent — and one that could be a mainstay for Tottenham for years to come.