Roberto De Zerbi has revealed he considered starting teenage talent Luca Williams-Barnett for Tottenham's victory at Chelsea last month, but decided to hold him back.
Williams-Barnett made his Premier League debut in the win over Crystal Palace last weekend, nearly providing an assist with a run and cross for Mohammed Kudus. The 18-year-old has watched England contemporaries Rio Mgumoha and Max Dowman receive more opportunities, with De Zerbi admitting he was reluctant to risk him while Spurs struggled for results.
Finding the right moment
Spurs were winless after their first six league games this season but have improved in recent weeks. They travel to Leeds on Saturday afternoon looking for a fourth consecutive win for the first time in more than 1,000 days.
De Zerbi said he feels a responsibility to manage Williams-Barnett carefully, even though he believed the player was ready to start against Chelsea.
"To find the time is my responsibility because when you manage such young players, with such a big talent like Luca, it is a bigger responsibility for me, and he has to be ready when he goes on the pitch," De Zerbi said in his pre-Leeds press conference on Friday afternoon.
"I think it (does) not depend on the result, he can play at the beginning. Before the Chelsea game, I thought to play with him in the first XI but at the end you have to find the right moment for them also."
A special talent
Williams-Barnett has been shortlisted for October's Creative Moment of the Month by the Premier League for his skill against Palace. He is regarded as one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Spurs' academy since Ballon d'Or winner Harry Kane.
His minutes this season have been limited to two substitute appearances and a total of 14 minutes despite his promotion to the first team. De Zerbi said he recognised Williams-Barnett's potential during pre-season and now feels more open to using him more frequently as Spurs find form.
"Yeah, the pre-season it was clear a special talent," De Zerbi continued. "You recognise the special talent immediately and he doesn't need to show something special, you understand? Everything that he does (is enough) and he is one of the special talents."
