The World Cup has just ended, but with the future ahead of the season, Tottenham Hotspur are getting their preparations for the new Premier League campaign underway with MK Dons.
Wednesday afternoon’s game saw the Lilywhites win 1-0 against the League One side, thanks to an early, stunning volley from £85m signing Mateus Fernandes.
While there was no sign of Andy Robertson or Jan Paul van Hecke, with Marcos Senesi set to enjoy an extended break, the narrow victory allowed Spurs fans their first chance to see Fernandes and Sandro Tonali in action together.
The goalscorer undoubtedly grabbed the headlines in the opening 45, although there were at least reasons to be confident about the team’s record performance.
What the Spurs learned from Tonali’s pre-season debut
£185m was spent on the Premier League pair, yet it wouldn’t be wrong to suggest that the most eye-catching performance in midfield came in the form of youngster, Luca Williams-Barnett, in the second half.
The academy star was prolific after the break, running the show almost in the style of Mousa Dembele to play a more active role next season.
One aspect of football is not enough to be taken by him, however, and it should not be enough to judge a player completely, especially fitness which is the most important thing right now.
Indeed, while it wasn’t a spectacular first time in a Tonali shirt, there were signs as to why ENIC was aiming for his signature, as the former Newcastle United man kept it neat and tidy in the center of the park.
Overall, the Italian achieved a 96% passing accuracy, losing the ball just three times in his 70 touches, while also recording a 93% passing accuracy between half the opposition.
|
Tonali vs MK Dons |
|
|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
Record |
|
Minutes |
45 |
|
To touch |
70 |
|
Pass accuracy |
96% |
|
Key passes |
0 |
|
Shots |
0 |
|
Dribbles |
0 |
|
The ball is lost |
3 |
|
It carries |
15 |
|
Fighting |
0/0 |
|
Duels won |
0/1 |
There was not the all-action style that is often seen at St James’ Park, as Tonali failed to win a single tackle or duel, but made 15 saves, looking to continue playing where he deserved.
There is plenty to be encouraged about, although there is still more to come, and there is the added difficulty of whether a third midfielder gets through the door.
Why Spurs can still sign a third midfielder to accompany Tonali
The sight of twenty figures, in the form of Williams-Barnett and Jamie Donley, stuck together between the two pitches in the second half showed that the center of the park could still be the talking point before the window runs out.
Yes, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall have all been on World Cup duty, although Sarr’s future looks in doubt in north London, while Bergvall is up front at Nottingham Forest.
After seeing Joao Palhinha return to Bayern Munich, and Yves Bissouma leaving on a free transfer, the third midfielder will not be released this summer.
Indeed, as reported by the Daily Mirror’s Jeremy Cross, Spurs are among the clubs ‘wanting’ to sign Bournemouth star Alex Scott, a 22-year-old known as a Tottenham fan.
Both Newcastle and Everton are also in trouble, however Arsenal and Manchester United seem to be in good shape at the moment, both ‘locked in talks’ with their agents.
It is believed that the Guernsey-born player could fetch around £40m, although earlier reports suggested the asking price could be more than double that.
Either way, being in the ENIC mix is an encouraging sign, as Scott is just a fun, gutsy talent, someone who looks like he could fit Roberto De Zerbi’s style to a T.
There is an elegance to his game that the aforementioned Tonali lacks, the young England international who can dictate the tempo of the game in his number eight position.
Last season in the Premier League, for example, Scott scored and assisted four goals, created four ‘big chances’ and averaged 0.8 passes per game, also averaging 0.8 strong dribbles at the same time.
In comparison, Tonali created six ‘big chances’ and averaged 0.9 key passes per game, although he only scored and assisted two goals, while averaging just 0.5 successful dribbles. In terms of passing accuracy, Scott has bettered his Newcastle counterpart in that too (85% vs 84%).
Despite his absence, the Bournemouth man was at his peak, winning five duels per game, while also averaging 2.6 tackles and 5.3 clearances, being tackled just 0.6 times per game.
As for Tonali, while it has been a difficult season for the Magpies, his record has been less impressive, averaging just 3.1 tackles and 1.9 tackles and interceptions, while also conceding just 4.2 possessions per game and being shot 0.7 times.
Scott is also a very impressive footballer, ranked in the top 15% of midfielders in Europe’s five major leagues for progression and penetration in the final third.
Care is considered continuous if the ball is moved towards a player’s goal at least 10 yards from its starting point or into the penalty area.
As for Tonali, he ranked in the top 31% and the top 43% on those same two metrics, respectively.
Of course, Spurs’ £100m investment in Tonali would suggest he could be the front-runner in midfield, but don’t bet against Scott forcing a move into the side if a deal can’t be wrapped up for the Tottenham winger.
