Marmoush’s tactical flexibility seen as a potential fit for De Zerbi’s system
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha argues that Omar Marmoush’s ability to exploit space beyond the defence aligns with Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto de Zerbi’s tactical requirements.
Omar Marmoush is primarily deployed as a number nine, yet his career trajectory suggests a forward rarely confined to a single role. At Eintracht Frankfurt, the Egyptian was used predominantly through the middle but also featured as a second striker and from the left flank. Manchester City have adopted a similar approach, utilising him mainly as a central attacker while also positioning him behind another forward or on the wing.
This positional versatility is viewed as a potential asset for Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Roberto de Zerbi’s tactical framework often relies on forwards changing positions and dropping towards the ball to create space. Marmoush is described as comfortable executing both the dropping movement and the subsequent attack into the vacated areas, a dynamic that could integrate seamlessly into Spurs’ current system.
Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha provided a tactical assessment of the player’s effectiveness. Onuoha believes Marmoush is most dangerous when he threatens the space beyond the defence rather than solely operating in the half-spaces.
“As much as he is good dropping towards the ball, I think he is better when he plays on the shoulder,” Onuoha said. “He needs to be in a team that will constantly play balls in behind and force the opposition to run back towards their own goal. That's when you see a better version of Marmoush.”
Statistical data from Opta supports this tactical alignment. In the previous Premier League season, Marmoush averaged 11.46 runs in behind per 90 minutes. This figure is almost identical to Dominic Solanke’s 11.61 and higher than Richarlison’s 10.03, indicating a comparable or superior capacity to stretch defences vertically.
While the running metrics place Marmoush on par with or above current Spurs forwards, Onuoha noted that the Egyptian also offered considerably more with the ball. The analysis suggests that a system prioritising vertical transitions would maximise Marmoush’s impact, though no immediate transfer has been confirmed.
