Roberto De Zerbi has made it clear that he expects Omar Marmoush to become a major source of goals for Tottenham Hotspur, with the Spurs head coach believing the Egyptian forward has the quality to reach at least 12 to 15 goals this season.
The demand comes at a difficult moment for Tottenham. De Zerbi’s team have failed to score in their opening three Premier League matches, collecting just one point after a 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest.
For Cambodian football fans following the Premier League, Marmoush’s situation is particularly interesting. The former Manchester City forward arrived at Tottenham with significant expectations, and De Zerbi appears ready to put his faith in the Egyptian international.
But faith alone will not be enough.
The Spurs boss wants goals.
And he believes Marmoush is capable of delivering them. ⚽
De Zerbi Believes Marmoush Can Score 15 Goals
Speaking after Tottenham’s goalless draw at Nottingham Forest, De Zerbi was asked about his attacking options and the team’s lack of a shot on target.
His response was revealing.
The Italian coach said he believed Marmoush has the quality to score 15 goals, while also indicating that a range of around 12 to 15 goals should be realistic for the forward.
That effectively establishes the benchmark for Marmoush’s first season at Tottenham.
De Zerbi did not present the Egyptian as a player simply expected to contribute occasionally. Instead, he sees Marmoush as one of the players who must help solve Spurs’ goalscoring problems.
The manager also acknowledged that Marmoush still has areas to improve.
De Zerbi believes Marmoush has the qualities required to reach that goal but still needs to improve.
That combination of confidence and criticism could be important as Tottenham attempt to build a new attacking identity.
Marmoush Has Already Shown Signs of His Quality
Despite Tottenham’s poor start, Marmoush has not been completely anonymous.
His Premier League debut came against Newcastle United, and he showed flashes of the attacking ability that persuaded Spurs to bring him in from Manchester City.
Against Newcastle, Marmoush made intelligent runs, linked play with teammates and looked capable of creating danger. NBC Sports described him as one of the more positive elements of Tottenham’s performance, highlighting his movement and ability to bring other attackers into the game.
He came close to scoring during the match, including an effort that went just wide.
De Zerbi also suggested that Marmoush can operate in several attacking positions. Before his debut, the Tottenham manager said the Egyptian could play as a centre-forward or as a more attacking No.10.
That versatility could become increasingly important.
A Player Who Can Operate Across the Front Line
Marmoush’s ability to move between positions gives De Zerbi tactical options.
He can drop deeper to participate in build-up play, attack space behind defenders or operate closer to the opposition penalty area.
However, Tottenham need the final part of that equation to improve.
Creating opportunities is useful, but Spurs ultimately need someone to convert those opportunities into goals.
And that is where the 15-goal target becomes significant.
Tottenham’s Biggest Problem Is in the Final Third
The goalless draw against Nottingham Forest exposed Tottenham’s biggest weakness.
Spurs had 12 attempts but failed to register a shot on target. De Zerbi was nevertheless positive about the team’s overall performance and defensive organisation, but he repeatedly focused on decision-making in the final third.
Marmoush was involved in Tottenham’s best opportunity.
He sent a first-half effort just wide, while another attacking situation later in the match highlighted a decision-making issue. De Zerbi pointed out that when Marmoush shot, Andy Robertson was overlapping and Mohammed Kudus was positioned to potentially receive the ball in a dangerous area.
That illustrates exactly what De Zerbi wants to improve.
Better decisions. Better execution. More goals.
Why 15 Goals Matters for Tottenham
A 12-to-15-goal season would be extremely valuable to Tottenham given their current attacking situation.
Spurs entered the campaign after a major squad rebuild, bringing in several new players while attempting to change the team’s style under De Zerbi.
Marmoush is therefore not operating in isolation.
Players such as Mathys Tel, Sávio, Mohammed Kudus and Dominic Solanke are also expected to contribute in the final third. De Zerbi has praised the attacking quality available to him, but the team must turn that potential into consistent production.
The manager’s comments suggest that Marmoush is one of the players he trusts most to make that happen.
Marmoush Must Become More Clinical
The Egyptian forward’s pace and technical ability are obvious strengths.
However, Premier League attackers are ultimately judged by end product.
If Marmoush can improve his finishing, decision-making and positioning in the penalty area, the 15-goal target could become achievable.
If he struggles to convert chances, Tottenham’s attacking problems could continue.
That makes the next few weeks important for both player and manager.
De Zerbi Is Giving Marmoush His Backing
One of the most encouraging elements for Marmoush is that De Zerbi clearly believes in his ability.
Rather than questioning whether the player has enough quality, the Tottenham manager has effectively said the opposite: Marmoush has the tools required to reach the target, but he needs to improve.
That distinction matters.
De Zerbi is demanding more because he expects more.
For a new signing, that can be interpreted as a sign of trust.
Marmoush also joined Tottenham on a season-long loan from Manchester City with an obligation to make the transfer permanent next summer, according to Tottenham’s official announcement.
That means his performances could have long-term consequences for both the player and the club.
Can Marmoush Reach 15 Goals?
The answer will depend on how quickly Tottenham can improve collectively.
Marmoush may have the individual ability to score 15 goals, but goals rarely come from one player alone.
Tottenham need better movement, better service and more effective decision-making around the penalty area.
De Zerbi has already identified the problem: the final third.
He wants his players to remain calmer and choose the correct option when they approach the opposition goal.
If Spurs can improve those details, Marmoush could benefit significantly.
His pace and movement can make him dangerous against high defensive lines, while his ability to play in different attacking roles gives De Zerbi another tactical weapon.
Conclusion: Marmoush Has a Big Challenge Ahead
Roberto De Zerbi has effectively set Omar Marmoush a 12-to-15-goal benchmark for his first season at Tottenham.
It is an ambitious target, particularly considering Spurs have not scored in their opening three Premier League matches.
However, De Zerbi’s message is not necessarily a criticism of Marmoush. It is a statement of belief in what the Egyptian forward can achieve.
The Tottenham boss believes Marmoush possesses enough quality to reach the mark — but now the player has to demonstrate it on the pitch.
For Cambodian football fans, this is one of the most interesting Premier League storylines to follow. If Marmoush can find his finishing touch and Tottenham can improve their attacking combinations, 15 goals could become a realistic target rather than simply a manager’s ambition.
