De Zerbi could replace Kolo Muani with Spurs’ “future captain” in new role

For most of the season, the idea of relegation has felt unthinkable for Tottenham Hotspur. Surely not, fans have muttered at the pub after yet another defeat. Nah, one devoted supporter might have replied when asked if Spurs were genuinely at risk of going down.

But time is running out for the north Londoners. With only five games left, Tottenham sit 18th—two points adrift of West Ham United.

Spurs face Wolves today at Molineux. If they fail to beat the already-relegated hosts, Roberto De Zerbi can probably kiss Premier League survival goodbye—especially if West Ham beat Everton at home. Nottingham Forest’s 5-0 thrashing of Sunderland has all but lifted them out of the relegation scrap.

Tottenham need a spark. The performance against Brighton showed some improvement, though it still ended in a 2-2 draw. The forwards continue to misfire, and Randal Kolo Muani surely needs a spell on the bench.

Why De Zerbi must drop Kolo Muani

When Tottenham signed Kolo Muani on loan from PSG last summer, it felt like a shrewd piece of business—adding a dangerous, dynamic attacker to the frontline. But Spurs need a win; they haven’t claimed three points since December.

Getting one on the board could shatter the mental barrier and help them climb out of the relegation zone in the final weeks. Yet De Zerbi needs total commitment, and the French loanee simply isn’t playing with the intensity and passion required to preserve their top-flight status.

Against Brighton, the 26-year-old managed one off-target shot and created zero chances. He’s clearly talented, but he hasn’t put in the hard yards and now needs to be dropped—though with slim options on the right wing, it’s a risk.

That said, De Zerbi might have a wildcard: a player who has impressed consistently at Tottenham despite being shifted across multiple roles.

De Zerbi could unleash Spurs talent in a new position

Few Tottenham players can hold their heads high right now, but Archie Gray certainly can. The 20-year-old has played with a maturity and intensity that many of his teammates have lacked. Saying Gray has been thrown in at the deep end is an understatement, yet he’s been strong in duels and efficient in possession. His passion far outweighs Kolo Muani’s.

Though Gray is a natural central midfielder who hasn’t played much in the middle this season, he has impressed across several roles. Last year, he did a job as a makeshift centre-back for Ange Postecoglou; now, at 20, he’s played all over the pitch. He hasn’t operated as an out-and-out winger—but that could pay off against a compact Wolves side, who might struggle against his combative, tenacious approach.

Gray is a promising technician. He’s completed 33.3% of his crosses in the Premier League this season, ranking in the top 205—impressive for someone who isn’t a natural wide player. That delivery could serve Dominic Solanke or Richarlison in the danger area. Harry Redknapp himself has said he can see Gray as a “future Tottenham captain.” So despite outside interest, keeping him at N17 is vital.

To do that, De Zerbi must show he trusts the young midfielder. Starting him against Wolves would send that message loud and clear. This wouldn’t be a sympathy call—Gray really is that good, one of the few bright sparks in a miserable campaign. Tottenham cannot afford to stumble again at Molineux. If they do, they’ll almost certainly drop into the Championship alongside Wolves, facing relegation from the Premier League for the very first time.