After a tumultuous 2025/26 campaign that fell far short of expectations, Tottenham Hotspur wasted little time in making changes as they look to rebuild and become competitive again.

One of the key areas of focus during this process is Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive rebuild, with the club determined to address the issues that held them back last season.

To address these issues, Tottenham’s defensive signings are now the main highlight of their transfer window so far as manager Roberto De Zerbi works to change the dynamic at the back.

As a result, there is growing interest in whether Tottenham’s defensive rebuild can make Spurs serious contenders again, especially under Roberto De Zerbi and his new vision for the team.

Tottenham defense rebuild: Why Spurs are investing in the backline

Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive rebuild stems from last season’s defensive difficulties, which is one of the main reasons for their poor performance this season.

In the 2025/26 season, Tottenham conceded 57 goals in 38 Premier League games, second only to West Ham United, Burnley and Wolves. This number clearly highlights their defensive weaknesses and desperate need for improvement.

With De Zerbi taking over, there was always an expectation of a defensive overhaul, prompting Tottenham to sign several defensive players. He needs to be able to play on the ball from the back and defend from the high line, traits that most Spurs defenders lack in the 2025/26 season.

Additionally, Roberto De Zerbi’s tactics revolve around better organization, rotation and cover, as he requires technically proficient and composed defenders who can control the ball with ease.

As a result, Tottenham Hotspur have signed Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, while a deal for Jan-Paul van Herk is reportedly in an advanced stage as they prepare for a crucial season ahead.

Ultimately, their defensive shortcomings in recent years forced them to rebuild under De Zerbi, and directly led to the signing of these important defensive players from Tottenham.

Marcos Senesi: Offensive defender who can add leadership and consistency

Marcos Senesi was one of the best defenders in the Premier League last season, which is why he became such an important part of Tottenham’s new defensive signings.

Joined on a free transfer from Bournemouth, he is expected to bring his attacking and defensive abilities to the Tottenham backline.

He has strong abilities in ground confrontation, stealing, interception and blocking. He also has excellent prediction ability and excellent game reading ability.

More importantly, he is a point guard who can pass the ball to gain possession. He is able to carry the ball forward with ease and attack from deep positions. Last season he ranked among the Premier League’s top centre-backs in terms of his line-breaking passes, passes into the final third and progressive action.

In addition to his technical qualities, Senesi brings leadership and stability to De Zerbi’s backline. His ability to organize the defensive line effectively adds maturity and experience to a defense that often lacks consistency.

His reliability is also crucial. Spurs were plagued by injuries at the back last season, but Senesi featured in 37 league games, highlighting his fitness and reliability.

All these qualities make him a perfect fit for Roberto De Zerbi’s tactics and his ball-building philosophy from the back.

Andrew Robertson: Proven Premier League winner joins Tottenham’s new project

One of the biggest qualities missing from Tottenham’s backline last season was the emergence of experienced Premier League champions, which is why Andrew Robertson is a key part of Tottenham’s defensive rebuild.

The Scotland international remains one of the most accomplished attacking left-backs in the league, renowned for his crossing ability, progressive passing and dribbling ability.

He is also a player with tremendous energy, is aggressive and brings proven ability to the team.

In addition, Robertson displays composure and tactical understanding in attack, qualities that fit in with De Zerbi’s high-pressing and possession-based tactics.

Just as importantly, his winning mentality, leadership skills and wealth of experience can help build a stronger culture within the squad as Spurs look to move forward under a new coach.

Jan-Paul van Herk: point guard built for De Zerbi football

Roberto De Zerbi’s tactics require a defender who can hold the ball, which is why Tottenham are the leading candidates to sign Jan-Paul van Herk from Brighton, with reports suggesting a deal has been agreed.

Van Herk is a modern defender who excels at arranging the offense with a lot of progressive and breaking passes while remaining comfortable in the backfield.

Defensively, he is proactive and intelligent, reading the game effectively with strong anticipation, interceptions and well-timed tackles.

Importantly, he has previously worked under De Zerbi at Brighton, meaning his adaptation to the Italian coach’s methods at Tottenham should be relatively smooth.

This sense of familiarity was one of the key reasons why De Zerbi pushed for the move.

Van Herk is also technically gifted enough to initiate attacks, stay calm under pressure and get into midfield during the build-up phases. These qualities can provide valuable balance alongside a more athletic or aggressive defensive partner.

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Tottenham Hotspur defensive rebuild: How new signings fit into De Zerbi’s tactical vision

Roberto De Zerbi’s tactics will largely revolve around how these Tottenham defenders fit into his overall system.

The Italian coach prefers possession-based football, organizing attacks from the back, usually using a 4-2-3-1 formation, which can evolve into a 3-4-3 or 3-2-5 formation when in possession. His defenders are expected to move into midfield, creating overloads in the middle and supporting attacks from deeper areas.

In this structure, Van Herk is crucial to achieving a 3-2-5 or 3-4-3 formation. As a right-footed centre-back, he can provide balance, progressive distribution and attack from the right.

Meanwhile, Senesi will bring strength and variety as a left centre-back. His progressive passing, aggressive dueling and leadership will provide balance, aerial strength and defensive stability.

Robertson’s role is equally important. His pace, work rate and attacking ability make him ideal for a senior full-back or full-back role where he can provide width, crossing ability and defensive support.

In a potential back three system, Van Herk, Senesi and Mickey van de Veen could form a defensive group, with Robertson and Pedro Polo as attacking full-backs.

Alternatively, a back four could consist of Robertson, Van de Veen, Van Herk and Polo, creating stronger playmaking options and improving defensive balance.

Overall, Tottenham’s defensive rebuild offers a mixture of point guards like Van Herk and Senesi, as well as the athleticism, speed and aggression of Van de Veen and Christian Romero.

Can De Zerbi’s new defensive core make Spurs a trophy contender?

Tottenham’s defensive signings have significantly improved the quality of the backline, and if integrated properly, they have the potential to form one of the strongest defensive lineups in the Premier League.

Defense remains one of the most important foundations for winning trophies, and with an innovative coach like De Zerbi at the helm, Spurs now appear to have a stronger platform on which to build these new signings.

If these players settle quickly and De Zerbi succeeds in realizing his ideas, Tottenham’s defensive signings could play a major role in transforming Spurs into genuine trophy contenders from the start of the 2026/27 season.