Omar Marmoush's Struggles at Tottenham: De Zerbi Seeks the Right Role for the Star

Ahead of the Premier League clash between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur, a Spurs fan named Mike pondered, “I just want to know what he is for us.” The subject of his query was Omar Marmoush, the Egypt international recently acquired in a significant deal from Manchester City. Ten games into his tenure, Spurs supporters are still evaluating the impact of the player who garnered considerable attention before his move to England, following a prolific spell with Eintracht Frankfurt. A previous record of 16 goals in 62 appearances for the high-scoring Manchester City preceded another substantial transfer from Manchester to London. Mike further questioned, “Is he a winger or a forward or a 10?” In the match against Leeds, Marmoush, aged 27, was deployed both wide and in a central role. He has started every Spurs fixture since his August arrival from Manchester City on a loan-to-buy agreement, reportedly valued at £60 million. The only exception was the away game against Manchester United last month, a match that marked a turning point in Spurs’ season. Prior to this fixture, Spurs had endured a winless streak in their previous four games, all of which Marmoush had started. However, at Old Trafford, Spurs delivered a strong performance and earned a draw. Marmoush was on the field when Dominic Solanke scored a 92nd-minute equalizer. Solanke, who typically occupies a similar position, often as a No. 9, was benched for the Leeds game, with Marmoush starting as the primary striker. Jack, a regular observer of Spurs home and away, commented from Elland Road, “He’s a really good player, but he’s not a No 9.” He elaborated, “Marmoush doesn’t play with his back to the goal or hold the ball up. He’s good at running forwards with the ball or cutting in from the left. Or getting shots off, like the goal he scored against Coventry recently (a clinical strike from the edge of the box that earned a nomination for Tottenham’s October goal of the month). If Spurs want a more traditional No 9, Solanke is better – the team is better with him up front.” Marmoush's sole goal to date has not been complemented by any assists. In the Leeds match, Solanke replaced the injured Mathys Tel in the first half, prompting Marmoush to move to the left flank of an attack that struggled to create opportunities. Leeds effectively disrupted Roberto De Zerbi’s team’s build-up play, pressing intensely to stifle Spurs’ attempts to play out from the back. Although Spurs enjoyed more possession early on, Leeds posed a greater threat. This was unsurprising given Spurs' record of scoring only two of their 10 league goals in the first half. Marmoush was largely a peripheral figure in both his roles as Leeds asserted dominance in the second half. In a team that wins more duels than any other in the league and boasts highly skilled players, Marmoush recorded fewer touches than any other Spurs player. Despite their strengths, Spurs remain a low-scoring side. Following the match, Leeds substitute Noah Okafor celebrates scoring the game's only goal. Leeds manager Daniel Farke celebrates after the match. Tottenham's Mathys Tel receives treatment before having to go off injured. Leeds' Jayden Bogle is challenged by Andrew Robertson and Omar Marmoush of Tottenham. Spurs attacker Omar Marmoush of Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds' Nico Elvedi battle for the ball. Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi. Having lost momentum, Spurs made three substitutions in the 64th minute, with Marmoush being one of them, replaced by Dejan Kulusevski. Marmoush had taken two of Spurs’ three shots, neither of which threatened the goal. He was not on the field when Noah Okafor scored the decisive late winner, moving Leeds to eighth place. Spurs now sit 10th, with more defeats than victories this season. The Egyptian international is expected to have better days, and his manager has spoken positively about his pace, intelligence, and versatility in attacking roles, noting that he and Savio are increasingly expected to rotate. Marmoush is set to join his national team for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Malawi on Friday, followed by a return leg four days later. He will play under a new coach, as Hossam Hassan was dismissed and replaced by Ali Maher. With 58 caps and 13 goals for Egypt since his 2021 senior debut, Marmoush typically partners Mohamed Salah in leading the Pharaohs' attack, a partnership that has proven effective. Egypt currently leads Group B with four points, following a win against South Sudan and a draw with Angola in their opening two matches. Marmoush will need to make his mark at club level and is expected to receive further opportunities to do so.