Following back-to-back wins against Coventry and Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur are beginning to show signs of progress under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, with Liverpool and England legend Steven Gerrard making a bold claim about their potential.
Speaking on The Overlap Daily, Gerrard said: “If they had a Harry Kane now, and a world-class goalkeeper now, this Tottenham team would challenge for the title.”
Consecutive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League have damaged Spurs’ reputation as one of England’s elite clubs. However, Gerrard believes their current squad has the foundations to compete at the top, adding: “They’ve got everything else really good.”
Despite sitting 14th in the table, Tottenham have a favourable run of their next five fixtures, with none against teams currently in the top six. That run could provide an opportunity to build momentum before the crucial north London derby against reigning champions Arsenal.
Whether Tottenham can fulfil the potential Gerrard sees in them remains to be seen, but his comments raise an intriguing question: could Spurs make a push towards the top end of the table this season and beyond?
Gerrard's words: Spurs' strengths and weak links
In a YouTube video released by The Overlap Daily, Gerrard offered a glowing assessment of what he has seen from Tottenham this season, alongside other major talking points, including Manchester United’s situation and the Ballon d’Or.
Reflecting on the 2-0 victory over Chelsea, he said: “Sandro Tonali was excellent at the weekend [against Chelsea]. Fernandes, his best performance in a Tottenham shirt. I loved James Maddison before he went off. I hope to God he’s not injured, because he gives this team personality and character.”
However, the former Aston Villa and Rangers manager was less impressed with Tottenham’s options at centre-forward, delivering a damning verdict on Richarlison: “He’s not prolific – he doesn’t deserve to play.”
He did, however, acknowledge the quality of Dominic Solanke and Mathys Tel, saying Spurs “have got good players in that frontline”. However, Gerrard added that “if they had a Harry Kane now”, the Tottenham team “would challenge for the title”.
Gerrard also questioned whether current first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is good enough to take Tottenham to the next level, claiming he “gave them a lot of problems with overplaying”.
“He’s a good goalkeeper, but not top,” he added.
“You’re only as good as your No. 1 and your No. 9, and I think there’s opportunity for Tottenham to really go world-class level in them areas. And this Tottenham team will fly.”
Are Tottenham still underdogs?
Steven Gerrard’s assessment may prove accurate, but Tottenham must start turning their spending power into results. Despite consecutive disappointing Premier League campaigns, Spurs remain a commercial powerhouse, and their summer recruitment has significantly strengthened the squad.
Tottenham made eight permanent signings worth a reported £334 million, while around £158 million in player sales left them with a net spend of £176 million. That ranked them third in both gross expenditure and net spend, underlining the scale of their investment.
With Spurs able to spend heavily despite finishing 17th in consecutive seasons, it feels increasingly important that this investment delivers a return on the pitch. Their recruitment may have improved the squad, but results must eventually reflect the money spent.
Reports suggest Roberto De Zerbi wants to strengthen his attacking options in January, with a recognised No. 9 potentially a priority. Another key addition could prove significant as Tottenham look to turn their spending into sustained progress.
Spurs have also been linked with Brazilian prospect Otávio, a 20-year-old Cruzeiro goalkeeper who has reportedly also attracted interest from Nottingham Forest. He recently signed a new contract containing a reported £86mrelease clause for foreign clubs, although Cruzeiro may consider lower offers.
Whether Tottenham act in January remains to be seen. However, if Gerrard’s title-challenging prediction is to become a reality, Spurs must ensure their considerable investment translates into consistent performances and results.
