Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi considered surprise Luca Williams-Barnett role for rare Chelsea win

De Zerbi feels he has a responsibility to look after Williams-Barnett, who he has previously said has the right blend of arrogance and confidence to be a top player, and admits he thought better of throwing him in against Chelsea, even though he believed he was ready to start the game.“To find the time is my responsibility because when you manage such young players, with such a big talent like Luca, it is a bigger responsibility for me, and he has to be ready when he goes on the pitch,” De Zerbi said in his pre-Leeds press conference on Friday afternoon.“I think it (does) not depend on the result, he can play at the beginning. Before the Chelsea game, I thought to play with him in the first XI but at the end you have to find the right moment for them also.”Luca Williams-Barnett made his Premier League debut in Tottenham’s win over Crystal PalaceGettyWilliams-Barnett, shortlisted for October’s Creative Moment of the Month by the Premier League for his dazzling bit of skill against Palace, has long been thought of as one of the most exciting talents to come out of Spurs’ academy since Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane.His minutes, though, have been limited to two substitute appearances and a total of 14 minutes this season despite his promotion to the first-team.De Zerbi is aware of Williams-Barnett’s potential, acknowledging that he knew he had a special player on his hands as early as pre-season, and with Spurs finding form, he now feels more open to using him more frequently.Read More“Yeah, the pre-season it was clear a special talent,” De Zerbi continued.“You recognise the special talent immediately and he doesn’t need to show something special, you understand? Everything that he does (is enough) and he is one of the special talents.”