Tottenham Hotspur’s difficult start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign has already raised serious questions about Roberto De Zerbi’s new-look side, but one player is rapidly emerging as a major source of excitement: Mateus Fernandes.
Spurs have suffered defeats in both of their opening Premier League matches, and the performances have exposed worrying weaknesses. Tottenham have looked surprisingly easy to play against, while their attacking threat has been almost non-existent. Most alarmingly, De Zerbi’s team have yet to score a single Premier League goal.
However, amid the frustration, Fernandes has provided a glimpse of what could eventually become one of Tottenham’s most dangerous weapons.
The midfielder initially made his impact from the bench against Brentford. Tottenham struggled badly with Brentford’s physical approach in midfield, but Fernandes’ introduction helped change the rhythm of the contest.
Despite limited minutes, the young midfielder immediately looked comfortable on the ball and began creating opportunities. He finished the match with two chances created, including one big chance, while covering six kilometres and reaching a top speed of 28.7 km/h.
His passing was particularly impressive. Fernandes completed 34 of 37 passes, giving him a remarkable 92 per cent accuracy. He also completed both of his attempted long balls and produced two line-breaking passes, demonstrating the creativity and forward-thinking ability that Tottenham desperately need.
His numbers told the story of a player who was not afraid to take responsibility.
Fernandes then earned a starting role against Newcastle United, and once again his creative qualities were impossible to ignore. He created the joint-most chances in the match, further strengthening the argument that Tottenham may have discovered a crucial attacking midfielder within their expensive summer rebuild.
Now, De Zerbi appears to have a clear vision for exactly how he wants to use him.
Speaking to Tottenham’s official channels, the Spurs boss praised Fernandes while stressing that the youngster still has plenty of room to develop.
De Zerbi highlighted Fernandes’ versatility, explaining that he can operate as a No.6, No.8 or No.10. However, the Italian coach appears particularly interested in unlocking the player’s attacking instincts.
Fernandes originally made his name playing in the number 10 role, before developing into a more complete midfielder capable of operating deeper. De Zerbi believes Tottenham can benefit from both sides of his game.
The Spurs boss also pointed towards Rodrigo Bentancur’s importance to the team, particularly because of the experience, balance and organisation he provides.
That could offer a major clue about Tottenham’s midfield plans for their upcoming clash with Nottingham Forest.
A midfield partnership featuring Sandro Tonali and Bentancur could provide the defensive security and control required to allow Fernandes to operate higher up the pitch. With two experienced players protecting the midfield behind him, Fernandes could be given greater freedom to influence the final third.
That is potentially where the biggest transformation could happen.
Tottenham have desperately lacked creativity during their opening league matches, and Fernandes’ ability to find spaces, break lines and create chances could give De Zerbi an entirely different attacking dimension.
The Portuguese midfielder is still young, though, and De Zerbi has made it clear that patience will be essential.
Fernandes is adapting to a new club, a new manager, a new tactical system and a completely different environment. De Zerbi therefore appears determined not to place unrealistic pressure on him.
Interestingly, the Spurs boss grouped Fernandes alongside Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Savio, describing them as the future of Tottenham.
That statement could prove significant.
With Tottenham investing heavily in their squad during the summer, De Zerbi is clearly attempting to build a team capable of competing for years rather than simply fixing short-term problems.
Fernandes could be at the heart of that project.
The immediate question is whether De Zerbi will unleash him as a No.10 against Nottingham Forest. With James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Omar Marmoush also capable of operating behind the striker, competition for the role is fierce.
Yet Fernandes’ recent performances have made his case impossible to ignore.
After two disappointing Premier League defeats and no goals to show for their efforts, Tottenham need inspiration—and Fernandes may be one of the players capable of providing it.
The pressure is already building at N17, but De Zerbi’s masterplan for Fernandes could become one of the most intriguing storylines of Tottenham’s season.
