Spurs’ positive start under Roberto De Zerbi has continued throughout pre-season, with two wins, three goals and two clean sheets already giving supporters plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Beyond the results, Tottenham’s busy summer in the transfer market has also strengthened belief that the club is building something exciting.
The North London side have already bolstered their defence with the arrivals of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke, although the trio are yet to feature after their World Cup commitments. Meanwhile, marquee midfield additions Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali have both made their first appearances in victories over MK Dons and Auckland FC.
Fernandes has quickly caught the eye after joining for £85 million. The Portuguese midfielder needed just three minutes to score on his debut, smashing a stunning volley into the top corner after a defensive clearance fell kindly to him on the edge of the box. It was a dream introduction and an early glimpse of the quality Spurs have invested in.
Tonali’s start has been more understated. The Italian completed the opening 45 minutes alongside Fernandes against MK Dons but was unavailable for the Auckland clash following a long-haul journey. Nevertheless, both midfielders impressed with their composure in possession, recording pass completion rates of 89% and 96% respectively.
Pre-season has also provided opportunities for Tottenham’s youngsters to shine. Defender Malachi Hardy has taken full advantage, stepping up impressively after the departure of Luka Vuskovic. The academy centre-back won most of his duels against MK Dons before producing a composed display against Auckland, completing 97% of his passes in the 2-0 victory.
Further forward, Manor Solomon and Mathys Tel produced lively performances against Auckland. Solomon’s effort led to Dane Scarlett opening the scoring before Tel teed up Richarlison to wrap up another encouraging win.
While Tottenham’s new signings have understandably grabbed headlines, another teenager has quietly become one of the biggest success stories of the tour.
Williams-Barnett emerging as Tottenham’s own Kroupi
Tottenham continue to be linked with Bournemouth sensation Eli Junior Kroupi, who enjoyed a remarkable debut Premier League campaign with 13 goals as a teenager. His versatility across the front line has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young attackers.
However, Spurs may already possess a player capable of making a similar impact in Luca Williams-Barnett.
The 17-year-old academy graduate has excelled throughout pre-season, displaying maturity well beyond his years. Although he didn’t find the net against Auckland, he operated confidently as a No. 10, linking play superbly around the penalty area and creating constant danger. Football.London’s Alasdair Gold even suggested he could easily have scored one or two goals on another day.
Williams-Barnett completed his only attempted dribble, won five of his six duels and registered five shots, underlining his willingness to take responsibility in attacking areas. Like Kroupi, he is comfortable playing centrally, out wide or behind the striker, making him an invaluable attacking option.
The teenager had already announced himself against MK Dons, where he arguably stole the spotlight despite the debuts of Tonali and Fernandes. Operating from a slightly deeper midfield role, he dictated play with confidence, repeatedly splitting the defence with intelligent passes and coming close to registering an assist after producing a superb through ball for Yang Min-hyeok.
With his versatility, technical quality and fearless performances, Williams-Barnett is rapidly proving that Tottenham may not need to spend heavily on another young attacking talent. If he continues his current trajectory, Spurs could already have their own version of Kroupi developing within their academy.
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