Tottenham Hotspur were back in action on home turf for the first time this pre-season today, and treated the Lilywhite fans to a 5-1 feast against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Let’s take a look at how the Spurs players got on:
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 6: James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur is surrounded by Shakhtar Donetsk players during the pre-season friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and Shakhtar Donetsk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 6, 2023 in England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Guglielmo Vicario – 6 – Didn’t have a whole lot to do today and looked a little hesitant in the early stages, but he made a couple of solid stops and seems comfortable with the ball at his feet. Left his best save until the final 5 minutes when he tipped a fierce effort over the bar.
Emerson Royal – 7 – You can see the benefit of having one defensive full-back in this inverted system. Emerson looked so solid in his 1v1 defending, and seems more than comfortable when stepping into midfield.
Cristian Romero – 7.5 – This style of play really suits Romero’s front-foot style. He is given license to step out and hunt after the ball, and did so brilliantly today. Sometimes, the only worry is whether his body can survive the beating he gives it every game.
Ben Davies – 6.5 – Davies is not a natural central defender and doesn’t have the same aerial dominance as a towering centre-half. Having said that, he was neat and tidy today and offers balance with his left foot. Managers love a player who can cover two or three positions.
Destiny Udogie – 7.5 – This boy looks really impressive. Full of boundless energy down the left side when he overlaps, but also comfortable in the central inverted role. The main questions will be on his defending, because his attacking is consistent and dangerous.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 6.5 – He suits that neat and tidy role, sitting deep in the midfield three. Off the ball, he works incredibly hard and intercepts for fun. I worry about his creativity and consistency under pressure in the final third. And that thump clear downfield was so unneeded.
Pape Matar Sarr – 7 – You can see why Postecoglou is a big fan of his guy. Sarr already looks like such a talented all-rounder, which is perfect for a three-man midfield. I expect him to get plenty of minutes this campaign if this pre-season is anything to go by.
James Maddison – 9 – Wow. This guy didn’t waste a ball all afternoon. I’m not quite sure how Maddison managed to squeeze and dribble his way through some of the gaps he found today, but he has that rare spark that can create something from nothing. Superb assist for Harry Kane.
Dejan Kulusevski – 8 – Looked much more like himself today, taking people on, delivering dangerous balls, and looking a threat in behind. He even stepped up his game once Kane was off the pitch. Just needs to start rediscovering that final shot/pass to rack up the goals and assists again.
Harry Kane – 10 – Four goals, what more can you say? All four were very different skills too. Not only that, but Kane was pinging balls all over the pitch for fun. What a player. And now we hold our breath…
Heung-min Son – 6.5 – Worth noting that Son has had a shorter pre-season than most and had surgery recently, but doesn’t quite look at his explosive best yet. A whole lot better than some performances last season though, and he showed some glimpses of his talent today.
Substitutes:
Giovani Lo Celso – 6 – Came on and filled that creative void with Maddison off the pitch. I’m interested to see if those two can link up at all this season.
Manor Solomon – 7 – Looks like such a bright spark out wide. Loves taking people on and firing shots and crosses into the box, which is exactly how Kane got the tap-in for his fourth.
Dane Scarlett – 7 – What a moment for the academy graduate! That spin and finish was straight out of the Harry Kane handbook! I can’t wait to see Scarlett get a whole season out on loan in an attacking team.
Oliver Skipp – N/A
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