Opinion: Player ratings from Tottenham vs Rangers in pre-season – First half

Tottenham Hotspur were back in action in pre-season today, this time playing back in the United Kingdom with a trip to Rangers on the cards. 

Let’s take a look at how the players got on in the first half (1-0):

Hugo Lloris – 6 – Only had a couple of bits to do in the first half and had no chance with the goal. Pre-season friendlies are often a bit quiet for the keepers at top teams.

Emerson Royal – 6.5 – Some good and some bad from Emerson. He looked great when driving down the centre of the pitch, but some of his crossing from the byline left a lot to be desired, and his defending at the back post was static for the Rangers opener. He also had two great chances to shoot, but chose not to both times.

Cristian Romero – 8 – Your classic front-foot defending from Romero, sniffing out danger before it even becomes danger and then recycling to start attacks. He seems to adapt more to the English game with every match at Tottenham.

Eric Dier – 7 – Unlucky deflection off him to set up the opening goal, although he would have liked to defend his box a little better. Looked really strong when stepping out with the ball, and dominant in the air. It has been a bright pre-season for Dier.

Davinson Sanchez – 6.5 – Never looks too comfortable out on the left, both on and off the ball. I assume he has only been playing there because of Davies’ injury and Lenglet missing the Korea tour. Nothing too bad today, but he doesn’t look secure.

Ryan Sessegnon – 7.5 – So full of energy down the left. Not only is he a constant outlet to get in behind and put crosses in, but he is often to first to press down that side with so much speed and aggression. Looks to be becoming a real Conte wing-back.

Rodrigo Bentancur – 7 – Caught on the ball a couple of times, but apart from that he was his usual classy self. Not only does he keep things ticking over in possession, but he also steps up and wins the ball back more than people give him credit for.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 7.5 – Should have scored when he went one-on-one with the keeper but put it wide. Can’t fault his effort levels though. He covered every blade of grass to support both the back line and the attackers.

Dejan Kulusevski – 7 – In terms of his positioning and getting into goalscoring opportunities, Kulusevski was a 9. In terms of having faith in his right foot, he was a 4. Kept cutting inside instead of letting fly, and that made him predictable.

Heung-min Son – 7 – Mixed up his game well today. Got on the shoulder and latched onto Kane’s passes in behind as normal, but also played Kane through for a good opportunity too. Not his busiest half ever, but he looks sharp when on the ball.

Harry Kane – 8 – Looked class when dropping into those pockets and playing balls out to the wing-backs and forwards. Had one good chance to score on his left foot but it was well saved.

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