Spurs Blogger

Jan Paul van Hecke is exactly the kind of centre back Roberto De Zerbi trusts in his system. Tottenham want him because he is aggressive defending forward, calm under pressure and excellent at progressing the ball through the lines all key traits in De Zerbi’s build up football. Spurs have already had bids rejected by Brighton, with De Zerbi pushing hard for a reunion after working with him on the south coast.

Van Hecke isn’t just a defender who clears crosses. He steps into midfield, breaks opposition presses with passing and is comfortable defending huge spaces behind him. Under De Zerbi at Brighton, he improved massively in possession and became one of the Premier League’s better progressive centre backs.

At Tottenham, he would likely play on the right side of defence, especially if Cristian Romero leaves. De Zerbi wants centre backs who can start attacks, not just defend deep, and Van Hecke fits that style perfectly. Fans also think his versatility and ability to play wide in build-up gives Spurs more tactical flexibility.

Van Hecke vs Romero — who is better?

Right now, Romero is still the better overall defender when fully fit. He is more dominant physically, more experienced at the top level and more aggressive in duels. At his best, Romero is world class

But Van Hecke is probably the cleaner fit for De Zerbi’s football. He is calmer in possession, less reckless defensively and more reliable over a full season. Romero brings chaos and intensity; Van Hecke brings control and structure.

Tottenham’s move for Andy Robertson is a very “De Zerbi style” signing: experienced, technically reliable, aggressive in possession, and mentally strong. Even at 32, Robertson still brings elite intensity, leadership, crossing quality, and tactical intelligence all traits that fit what Roberto De Zerbi wants from his full-backs.

What Robertson brings to Tottenham

Elite delivery from wide areas

Robertson has been one of the Premier League’s best creators from left-back for years.

Key Liverpool numbers:

* 69 assists in 378 appearances

* Consistently among league leaders for crosses and chances created

* Excellent cut-backs and early whipped deliveries

Under De Zerbi, Spurs will likely dominate possession more often. Robertson’s crossing could become a major weapon for:

* back-post runs

* inverted wingers attacking the box

* quick switches of play

* overloads on the left side

Tactical intelligence in buildup

De Zerbi’s football relies heavily on:

* positional rotations

* baiting pressure

* progressive passing from deep

Robertson is underrated technically. At Liverpool, he improved massively under Klopp in:

* receiving under pressure

* fast combinations

* progressive passing down the line

* underlapping movement

He is not just an “up and down runner” anymore.

Winning mentality and leadership

This may actually be the biggest reason Spurs signed him.

Robertson brings:

* Champions League winning experience

* title winning mentality

* dressing room leadership

* intensity standards in training

De Zerbi himself highlighted Robertson’s “leadership” and “winning mentality” after the move was confirmed

For a Tottenham side rebuilding after a difficult season, that matters enormously.

How Robertson fits under De Zerbi

Likely tactical role

De Zerbi usually asks his full-backs to do one of three things:

1. Stay wide to stretch the pitch

2. Invert into midfield

3. Rotate aggressively during buildup

Robertson fits especially well in Roles 1 and 3.

Possible Spurs shape in possession

Formation 4231

Expected left-side structure:

* Robertson overlaps aggressively

* left winger drifts inside

* central midfielder covers transition space

* Robertson becomes the main width provider

That setup is perfect for his crossing game.

Key strengths Spurs gain

Area What Robertson adds

Crossing Elite finalball quality

Intensity Constant overlapping runs

Leadership Vocal organiser and winner

Experience Big game mentality

Defensive aggression Strong pressing and recovery

Mentality Competitive edge Spurs lack

Potential concerns

Age and physical load

At 32, Robertson is no longer in his absolute athletic peak.

Questions:

* Can he still play 50+ high-intensity matches?

* Can he recover repeatedly in De Zerbi’s demanding system?

Tottenham may need:

* rotation with Destiny Udogie

* managed minutes

* tactical protection in transitions

Defensive transitions

De Zerbi’s teams can sometimes leave space behind full-backs.

Robertson’s aggression helps pressing, but:

* he can be exposed in open-field defending now more than in his prime

* recovery pace is slightly reduced

Still, his positioning and experience compensate for some physical decline.

Why this signing makes sense for Spurs

This is not just about talent.

It’s about:

* raising standards

* adding experienced winners

* giving De Zerbi tactically intelligent players

* helping younger players develop

Robertson is effectively:

* part starter

* part leader

* part culture-setter

That’s why De Zerbi pushed for him quickly.

Overall outlook

If used correctly, Robertson could become:

* one of Spurs’ most important leaders immediately

* a key creator from left-back

* the perfect tactical mentor for younger defenders