'I joined Sunderland after not playing for Tottenham - now I'm out to ruin De Zerbi debut'

'I joined Sunderland after not playing for Tottenham - now I'm out to ruin De Zerbi debut'Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi will encounter a former player of his new club during his first game in charge against SunderlandCommentsSportKieran Horn Digital Sports Journalist07:06, 12 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesRoberto De Zerbi takes charge of his first game for Tottenham against Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday(Image: (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images))Dennis Cirkin will be aiming to spoil Roberto De Zerbi's first match in the Tottenham dugout when they face Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday. The ex-Spurs academy prospect departed for the Stadium of Light in 2021 without featuring for the senior side at his boyhood club.‌The 24-year-old was included in two Europa League matchday squads by Jose Mourinho in late 2020 but never entered the action. Cirkin was considered a promising talent within the academy and amongst Tottenham supporters, yet injury problems and the arrival of Sergio Reguilon denied him any playing time.‌View 3 ImagesDennis Cirkin impressed in a pre-season for Tottenham but never made a senior competitive appearance‌He subsequently joined the Black Cats before the 2021/22 campaign and played a crucial role in their ascent from League One. He sustained multiple injuries during the next season but still featured 28 times in the Championship.Persistent muscular problems, one requiring an operation, meant Cirkin was absent for most of the 2023/24 campaign, though he returned emphatically the subsequent year as Sunderland secured Premier League promotion in thrilling circumstances at Wembley.READ MORE: Roberto De Zerbi makes first major Tottenham decision with statement releasedOPINIONAndy DunnRoberto de Zerbi has already made one apology at Tottenham - it must be his lastTottenham Hotspur FC