We're all aware that the primary reason why Tottenham Hotspur will be playing Premier League football next season is Roberto De Zerbi.
The Italian inherited a broken squad and maximised every ounce of talent available to him. 11 points from the seven games he oversaw were enough to hold off West Ham United, and now De Zerbi is prepared to wield the power he's deservedly earned in the summer transfer window.
There had been an expectation for a major reshuffle between the posts, with our No. 1 of the past three years, Guglielmo Vicario, poised to return home after a fairly torrid season hindered by a hernia. That's posed the question as to who'll be the man to step up in De Zerbi's first full campaign at the helm.
The manager made the fairly bold call to stick with Antonín Kinsky once Vicario was available again, and the young Czech, whose chastening night at the Metropolitano was barely a month old, vindicated De Zerbi's faith. Now, Kinsky is set to succeed Vicario as Spurs' No. 1.
Spurs chasing Martin Dúbravka as Kinsky's back-up
Spurs had seemingly been in the market for a premium goalkeeper to compete with Kinsky. Brighton & Hove Albion's Bart Verbruggen and Manchester City's James Trafford were among the shot-stoppers linked.
However, the noise out of N17 is starting to shift. Instead of pursuing a potential Kinsky competitor or usurper, Spurs are now in the market for a backup to the 23-year-old.
According to insider Paul O'Keefe, free agent Martin Dúbravka is a leading contender to join the club, with Karl Darlow and Jason Steele other potential back-ups being considered. The 37-year-old Dúbravka is probably the best of the bunch, but the other two are homegrown.
If we're merely signing a reserve, is it worth wasting a sacrosanct non-homegrown spot? Isn't it about time Brandon Austin earned a promotion?
Still, De Zerbi loves Kinsky.
The goalkeeper's redemption down the stretch played a key role in our survival, with stunning saves made in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United and the final-day win over Everton. More subtly, Kinsky's confidence in possession helped establish a sense of calm to Spurs' build-up play, and assuming De Zerbi's tactical instructions will only become more complex, he's going to need a goalkeeper who can proficiently play off both feet over a range of distances.
Kinsky can fulfil De Zerbi's demands, and his upside his immense. However, trusting him to be the guy, no questions asked, is a gamble. I'd be more comfortable signing a competitor, rather than an undoubted reserve.
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