Opinion: The five biggest winners of Tottenham’s pre-season so far
Pre-season is a chance for players who usually wouldn’t see many minutes during the season to try and impress the coaching staff and warrant themselves a role within the 1st team.
What better time to do so after the numerous departures of senior players this summer, with players such as Sessegnon, Ndombele and Hojbjerg leaving permanently, Gil leaving on loan to Girona and Emerson close to joining AC Milan permanently (Di Marzio)?
Here are 5 players who have seized the opportunity and have impressed the most this pre-season.
5: Archie Gray
Tottenham acquired the services of the young midfielder from Leeds for around £40m, as well as Rodon going in the opposite direction for £10m (Fabrizio Romano). Everyone knew how talented he was when he arrived, but very few would have expected how well he’d play as a centre-back.
Composed, intelligent and fearless, Gray has commanded the pitch straight away. It’s a testament to how well-rounded a player he truly is at such a young age. As well as this, he has impressed the backroom staff with his kind personality.
Reports indicate that there is a feeling he could become the ‘‘club’s superstar’’ in the centre of the pitch for years to come (Alasdair Gold).
4: Jamie Donley
Having had a few brilliant seasons at youth level, as well as a few appearances off the bench last season, these last couple of pre-season games were the perfect opportunity to show what he can do. This he did, just not in the position people would have expected.
Playing left-back this summer, Donley has surprised many with how quickly he has adapted to playing a new position. Given that Ange deploys his full-backs to occupy the midfield in possession, Donley has offered a threat going forward in a space he usually plays in.
Naturally, he’s relatively raw when defending, however, at just 19 there is plenty of time for him to improve and adapt. Ange now has a dilemma: will he keep Donley who could play an important role in Europe, or let him leave on loan? Reports suggest there are many clubs eyeing up Donley for a loan move this summer (Football London).
3: Djed Spence
A player no one would have suspected to even be playing this pre-season, Spence seems to have completely turned himself around for the better since his loan move to Italian side Genoa.
Whilst there was no doubt he had the ability to compete for a starting spot over Pedro Porro, it was his attitude that let him down. But in recent weeks Spence’s impressive performances have forced Postecoglou into a ‘‘transfer rethink’’ (Football London).
With Emerson Royal looking close to completing his move to AC Milan, Spence has proven he’s capable of not just offering squad depth for European games and domestic cup games, but also being direct competition to Pedro Porro.
Not only is he able to play off the right, but he’s also shown when on loan at Leeds as well as Tottenham’s most recent friendly versus Bayern Munich that he’s able to be deployed at left-back, offering a huge boost in case Udogie were to be suspended or injured.
Despite the 2-1 loss to Bayern not being a very positive performance was a defensive point of view, it’s always nice to have that extra option if needed.
Young, homegrown and hungry, this season could very well see the new Djed Spence.
2: Lucas Bergvall
Possibly the player that every single Spurs fan was most excited to see in action, and he hasn’t disappointed. The 18-year-old took no time settling in on and off the pitch, forming a close bond with fellow youngster Archie Gray whilst also performing exceptionally.
There were question marks as to how he would perform out of the Swedish league and if he could keep up with a club like Tottenham’s demands, but he looks so calm on the ball and is fearless when trying to get the ball forward.
If pre-season is anything to go off of, in particular against Bayern Munich where he was comfortably Spurs’ best player, Bergvall could become a young star in the Premier League. Possessing brilliant ball control, composure and passing range, he is the perfect Postecoglou 8.
1: Mikey Moore
It felt harsh ranking Bergvall in 2nd spot, but after the pre-season Mikey Moore has had, it had to be done. The academy starlet has exploded this pre-season after performing incredibly at youth level. In his last 15 games, Moore has contributed to 18 goals, returning in all but two of these games.
A combination of footballing intelligence beyond his years, technical ability and an eye for a pass or goal, he’s not just been one of the best youngsters this pre-season, he’s been one of the best players at the entire club.
Ange Postecoglou was full of praise after his side’s 3-2 win versus Vissel Kobe, saying: ‘‘Mikey has been fantastic since we brought him in. He’s earned his spot on the roster at the moment’’ (Football London)
His performances have also not gone unnoticed elsewhere in the league, with reports stating that Tottenham have rejected offers made by champions Manchester City (Football Insider).
Hailed as Tottenham’s biggest talent since Harry Kane, the upcoming season could prove to be a hugely important one for the Englishmen.
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