Egyptian Omar Marmoush was substituted in the 65th minute of Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat at Leeds. A performance judged harshly by the English media, while head coach Roberto De Zerbi is still struggling to find a role for him.
On Saturday 7 November, Tottenham lost 1-0 at Leeds United in the Premier League. Omar Marmoush, who started the match, was substituted in the 65th minute, according to Ahram Online. Roberto De Zerbi is still looking for the best role for the Egyptian forward, according to The National.
Signed in August on loan with an obligation to buy for around £60 million from Manchester City, Marmoush has started every Tottenham match since his arrival, except last month’s trip to Manchester United. His output is raising questions as Egypt prepare to gather for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
English media pull no punches
Marmoush’s performance against Leeds did not convince. The National described the Egyptian’s display as “poor”, with a lack of physical presence against the Leeds defenders. The BBC gave him a rating of 5, noting “plenty of effort but little end product”. These assessments come from the media, not from the Tottenham staff.
A Spurs supporter, Mike, quoted by The National, summed up the doubt: “I just want to know what he is for us”. So the unease is about the forward’s role, which Roberto De Zerbi is still trying to define.
A £60 million transfer that raises questions
Marmoush arrived at Tottenham with the profile of a goalscorer from Manchester City, where he had scored 16 goals in 62 appearances. His loan with an obligation to buy, worth around £60 million according to The National, creates an expectation that his start to the season does not yet meet.
The context does not help: Leeds United have the third-best defence in the Premier League in terms of goals conceded, according to Foot-Africa. Against such a compact block, the forward struggled to make an impact, lacking physical presence according to The National.
A question that goes beyond Tottenham
The question of Marmoush’s role goes beyond the London club. Egypt are due to gather for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, and their forward is coming off a disappointing performance.
Tottenham’s next match is against Manchester United, after the November international break.