Roberto De Zerbi revealed before Tottenham Hotspur’s away game at Leeds United that Luca Williams-Barnett is ready to start games.

Luca Williams-Barnett made his Premier League debut for Spurs in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, coming as a substitute in the 88th minute. The prodigious English talent almost bagged an assist after an incredible mazy dribble that saw him beat a couple of Palace players and square the ball across the box, only for Mohammed Kudus to miss from close range.

For his piece of artistry against Palace, he has officially been nominated for the Premier League’s Creative Moment of the Month award.

Roberto De Zerbi does not want to loan out Luca Williams-Barnett in January

There have been growing calls from the Tottenham fanbase for Williams-Barnett to feature more regularly in the first-team squad from now on. De Zerbi has shown immense trust in young prospects, and when it comes to Williams-Barnett, the case is no different.

There have been suggestions that the academy starlet could be allowed to leave N17 on loan in search of more regular minutes to continue his development in senior football. However, according to a report from Football Insider, the Tottenham head coach wants to keep Williams-Barnett in his squad and work with him rather than loaning him out in January.

“I think that cameo probably showed everything Spurs fans have been talking about for a while now in regards to Luca Williams-Barnett,” Pete O’Rourke said on the Transfer Insider podcast (h/t Football Insider).

“He’s an exciting player, he gets fans off their seats, and he has given Roberto De Zerbi something to think about with that performance off the bench against Crystal Palace.

“So, I think he’s probably needed immediately right now rather than considering a possible loan away or anything like that. He’s proved that he is good enough to get minutes in the Premier League off the back of that showing against Crystal Palace as well.

“I’m sure he’ll be hoping that he can get more minutes on De Zerbi rather than thinking of having to go out and loan to get minutes.”

Williams-Barnett must stay at the club

Tottenham were beaten 1-0 by Leeds United, with Noah Okafor’s second-half strike sinking Roberto De Zerbi’s side. Williams-Barnett was thrown on late in the game, as the Lilywhites tried their best to find an equaliser. The teenager showed some lovely touches and tried his best to make an impact, but to no avail.

Highly regarded at White Hart Lane, De Zerbi, his coaching staff and club officials will do everything possible to help the 18-year-old fulfil his vast potential. De Zerbi’s possession-based, fluid and attack-minded philosophy provides the ideal tactical environment for creative players to express themselves freely in the final third.

The England youth international has already shown flashes of his brilliance, and with more maturity, experience and time on the pitch, he’d be able to further hone his skills. So, it’d be in the best interests of Williams-Barnett to stay at the club, as there will be a major role for him to play as the season progresses.