Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi considered surprise Luca Williams-Barnett role for rare Chelsea win

De Zerbi considered starting Williams-Barnett against Chelsea but opted to protect the 18-year-old talent, who has impressed since his Premier League debut.

Roberto De Zerbi has revealed he contemplated starting teenage sensation Luca Williams-Barnett in Tottenham's recent victory at Chelsea, but ultimately decided against it to protect the young talent.

The 18-year-old has captured attention following his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace last weekend, where he nearly set up a goal for Mohammed Kudus with a superb run and cross. Williams-Barnett has been shortlisted for October's Creative Moment of the Month by the Premier League for that performance.

De Zerbi acknowledged that Williams-Barnett was ready to start against Chelsea but felt it was his responsibility to find the right moment for such a young player, particularly while Spurs were struggling for results early in the season. "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," De Zerbi said. With Tottenham now picking up form and looking to make it four wins in a row, the manager feels more comfortable using Williams-Barnett more frequently going forward.