Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Tottenham Hotspur made a winning start to pre-season with a 1-0 win over newly-promoted League One side MK Dons away.
The win came courtesy of a stunning volleyed goal from the new Spurs signing Matthew Fernandes.
He was one of three summers on display as Spurs boss Roberto Dezerbi Used by 21 players throughout the 90 minutes.
here Sky Sports Spurs’ first pre-season friendly assesses…
Fernandes is on fire
“That was my favorite goal by a mile in my career.”
Just three minutes into his first Spurs game, Fernandes began a dream life in north London.
The midfielder, who joined from West Ham for £85m, expertly headed a high ball clear for a corner before volleyed a superb first-time screamer from the edge of the box to give Spurs an early lead.
What a way to introduce himself to the Spurs fans, whose excitement levels will be raised by his 45-minute display before he is taken off as part of de Zerbi’s wholesale half-time change.
The Portugal international started alongside the club-record £100m signing Sandro Tonali Spurs’ new £185m midfield duo double pivot with De Gerby’s side in complete control.
Fernandez’s willingness to play forward passes, which didn’t always come, was a particular positive considering the lack of creativity last season.
Tonali and Dubravka make solid debuts
Fernandes may outshine midfield partner Tonali, but the Italy international holds things together nicely in midfield.
When he and Fernandes were substituted at half-time, Spurs lost their grip on the game.
There was more to come from Tonali, who provided steel alongside Fernandez’s flair, including one instance where he came back to stop an MK Dons counter-attack for a free-kick.
The goalkeeper was signed in the third summer at half time Martin Dubravka – and he was great.
The 37-year-old defied his age with superb reflexes to keep out a late MK Dons close-range header.
Dubravka looks to be an excellent piece of free-transfer business as a capable deputy to the new number one. Antonin KinskiWho started the game and was confident with the ball at his feet.
Missing a lot of wins
Promotion of Kinski as first choice and arrival of Dubravka By Guglielmo Vicario The future is in serious doubt, and it was no surprise to see Juventus and Napoli missing the target against MK Dons.
His fellow Italy international, Destiny Udogiwas also absent, but Spurs’ first-choice left-back was part of a group of players watching the game.
Summer signature Andy Robertson And Jan Paul van Hecke They have to wait for their debut.
The pair recently returned from the World Cup, as it were Mickey Van de Ven And Lucas Bergvallwith whom it was seen James Madison.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Spurs boss Roberto Di Zarbi has hinted that the club could continue their summer spending spree
But with Sky Sports News With Bergvall understood to want to leave the club this summer, his pre-season will be one to watch amid interest from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.
There was no sign Mohamed Qudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simmons or Wilson Odobert As they continue their recovery from injury.
Kishor Lathi
With many senior players absent, it gave the youngsters a chance to impress.
Mikey MooreFresh from his loan spell at Rangers last season and “buzzed to be back”, the left-back has caught the eye and the 18-year-old will look to push his case in pre-season to be part of de Zerby’s plans for the upcoming campaign.
Midfielder Rio Kierematen The only player to play the full 90 minutes, the 21-year-old, who is yet to make his first-team competitive debut, filled his versatility at left-back in the first half and then at right-back in the second half.
But it was a fellow teenager Luca Williams-Burnett Who was the brightest of Spurs’ youngsters.
The attacking midfielder was deployed in a deeper role and showed great confidence and fearlessness.
A notable highlight was the pinpoint pass over the top for the 17-year-old Min-hyeok Youngwho somehow missed an open-goal opportunity despite producing a great touch to round the goalkeeper.
Williams-Burnett’s only first-team appearance came last season, but on the evidence of this 45-minute display, he could force himself into De Zerby’s plans.
A summer followed by Academy Sale’s departure Will Lanshear, Tynan Thompson And Alfie Devine For £34m, it was encouraging to see some of Spurs’ products catch the eye.
Williams-Burnett, Moore and Kierematen hope to get more opportunities for Spurs on their tour of Australia and New Zealand as the north London side face Auckland FC at 4am UK time on Sunday.
