Tottenham Hotspur’s season has been dire. They find themselves 18th in the Premier League and two points away from rivals West Ham United. Managerial instability has defined their campaign, with Thomas Frank departing for Igor Tudor, who was swiftly succeeded by Roberto De Zerbi. However, poor individual performances have plagued the campaign too. In their precarious position, De Zerbi now needs his squad to step up and help avoid a first relegation since 1977.
Here are the five players who could decide the outcome of Tottenham’s relegation battle.
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Five Key Players In Tottenham Relegation Battle
James Maddison
Tottenham have lacked creativity and attacking threat all season. A disproportionate share of their goals have come from set-pieces due to a lack of invention in open play. Arguably, the biggest reason for that is Maddison’s absence. After registering nine goals and seven assists last season, the squad have desperately missed that output, with the midfielder yet to play in 2025/26. Although the manager is hesitant to rush Maddison back, he was on the bench for the recent 2–2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. While he may not return at full sharpness, any influence he can offer could prove decisive.
Read More: Tottenham vs Brighton: Confirmed Lineups and Team News
Rodrigo Bentancur
Like Maddison, Bentancur rejoined the matchday squad against Brighton following a lengthy absence. When the Uruguayan suffered a hamstring injury against Bournemouth in January, Spurs were 13th in the Premier League. Tottenham failed to register a league win in his absence – a run that is still ongoing. While many factors have contributed to that dismal form, the loss of their most accomplished midfielder has been significant. The north London side have often struggled to gain control in matches, but the return of Bentancur’s composed presence and ball-winning ability could ease those struggles.
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Dominic Solanke
Ankle surgery ruled Solanke out for a large portion of the campaign, but the 28-year-old has started each of De Zerbi’s first two matches in charge. He is already central to his manager’s system, with his workrate enabling consistent pressing from the front. However, that influence is yet to translate into output. The striker has registered just three Premier League goals since returning in January, and Tottenham’s relegation battle could hinge on that tally improving.
Kevin Danso
With Cristian Romero ruled out for the remainder of the term, there is a chance for Danso to assert himself alongside Micky van de Ven. Tottenham’s defence has been inconsistent, conceding the fourth most goals in the league, and they can ill-afford to continue that trend in a tight relegation battle. Danso will be keen to amend for the mistake which led to Brighton’s last-gasp equaliser. The Lilywhites require the Austrian to bring composure rather than the uncertainty that defined the Brighton match. Alongside Danso’s personal redemption, improved performances would be crucial in restoring defensive security.
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Xavi Simons
Simons looked set to be the match-winner against Brighton. The Dutchman appears capable of bringing a spark that supporters have badly missed in this wretched campaign. Already leading the team in assists, he has become Tottenham’s primary source of creativity in Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski’s absence. Following a season of adjusting to the Premier League, the final four games present an opportunity for Simons to justify his £50 million price tag and help secure survival.
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