Jermain Defoe has backed Roberto De Zerbi to keep Tottenham in the Premier League, given his attractive style of play and knowledge of the division. 

De Zerbi was appointed as Spurs' new boss on Tuesday following the departure of Igor Tudor after just 44 days in charge, the fourth-shortest tenure in the top-flight. 

The Italian has put pen to paper on a long-term contract, which is reportedly a five-year deal, despite Spurs sitting just one point above the relegation zone. 

Spurs have also not won any of their last 13 league matches (D5 L8), equalling their second-longest winless run in league competition in their history (also 13 in November 1912). 

Despite that, Defoe is confident that De Zerbi's playing style will be key in ensuring his former club remain in the Premier League in their remaining seven league games. 

"He's someone that comes in with an unbelievable CV," Defoe said of De Zerbi, who has also managed Marseille and Shakhtar Donetsk.

"When you look at his playing style, as football fans, you have to appreciate and enjoy the way they play.

"I remember the [De Zerbi] Brighton team, watching Brighton play, thinking, 'wow, this is the right way to play football'.

"He's going into a massive football club, but he's someone with a good CV and someone who backs himself."

The Opta supercomputer also backs Defoe's argument, with Spurs given a 27.5% chance of being relegated, compared to a 72.5% probability of remaining in the top flight. 

Spurs have won just 30 points from 31 Premier League games this season, though. Accounting for 3pts/win all-time, this is their joint-lowest return after 31 games of a league campaign, along with 1914-15 (30).

De Zerbi's first game in charge comes on April 12 away to Sunderland, and Defoe, who has recently been appointed the new head coach at National League side Woking, wished the 46-year-old well on his latest venture. 

"I just hope this group of players can respond and get the results they need," continued Defoe.

"A lot of the players haven't experienced this before, the fans and the club have not been through this situation before.

"Hopefully they can come out of it, and with this manager, I'm sure he's good enough to get the results they need."