Jamie Redknapp claimed that Savio ‘lit up the place’ on his Tottenham debut, but Roberto De Zerbi has challenged his latest signing to reach new heights after his stunning start to life at the club.
Savio, who joined the club on Tuesday in an £85m move from Manchester City, instantly made himself a fan favourite just over 24 hours after his arrival by scoring and grabbing an assist during a 20-minute cameo in Spurs’ 5-1 Carabao Cup win over Charlton.
The Brazilian brought excitement and flair with every touch, and despite only scoring once in the Premier League last season, showed some much-needed end product for a Tottenham team who netted just 48 times themselves.
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Highlights of the Carabao Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic.
His brilliant introduction earned praise from former Tottenham midfielder Redknapp, who claimed the 22-year-old was exactly the type of spark fans want at the club.
“He lit the place up,” Redknapp said post-match.
“This is what Tottenham want. Players like that who can get you off your seat. Who can cut inside and hit a ferocious left footed shot. He was excellent.”
However, despite making an immediate impression, Spurs boss De Zerbi challenged his new man to take the next step.
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Roberto De Zerbi outlines what he wants to see from new signing Savio in order to become one of the best wingers in the world.
Prior to his debut, De Zerbi detailed what Savio needed to do to become one of the best wingers in the world, and doubled down on that after the game.
“Yes, it is a perfect day for him,” De Zerbi said of Savio.
“I think his biggest step and biggest improvement is to increase the number of goals because as qualities, I think he is one of the best wingers, but the best wingers score many goals.
“I spoke with him and we put the goal on 10 or 12 goals (target) because we need 10 or 12 goals from the wingers.
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Savio scores 11 minutes into his Spurs debut against Charlton.
“Last season we suffered too much because also the number of goals were not enough to compete for nothing more than that (17th) position.”
Savio gives Spurs the hope their front line needs
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Callum Bishop:
“A lot can happen in just one minute of football. Even more can happen in 20. As we have just seen, that’s enough time to make yourself a cult hero.
“Savio’s arrival at Tottenham was shrouded in question marks. Why were Spurs willing to part with so much money for a player who managed just three goal contributions in the Premier League last season?
“Yet, the moment he stepped out onto the pitch in a white shirt, he was a livewire. Spurs fans value entertainment, and they were off their feet any time he got on the ball.
“The fact there was some end product that came with the excitement is even more important, especially for a Spurs side that have often been lacklustre in attack.
“The opponents will get tougher, and Savio will need to rise to that. However, as first outings go, having joined barely 24 hours ago, you can’t ask for much more.”