Tottenham Hotspur kicked off their second pre-season match of the summer this afternoon, taking on Sevilla – and familiar face Erik Lamela – in South Korea.
Let’s take a look at the player ratings from the second half (1-1):
Hugo Lloris – 6.5 – Didn’t have much chance with the goal – a well-struck shot from Rakitic. The thing that stood out for me was Lloris’ long and short-range distribution which seems to be improving a lot these days.
Emerson Royal – 6.5 – As I said last time out, he seems to be cutting inside and making runs down the middle of the pitch more, creating space for others and confusion for the opposition midfield. Great tackle to prevent a Sevilla goal at the start of the second half.
Japhet Tanganga – 6.5 – Loves to defend on the front foot, just like Romero, which could stand him in good stead when it comes to rotation this season – if he remains at Spurs. I just want him to get a run of games without injury so he can really progress.
Eric Dier – 7.5 – On the ball a lot more in the second half. Stepped out and dictated play well, starting a couple of attacks. Seemed to fill the void of Romero in that respect. Also remained pretty solid defensively too.
Ben Davies – 7 – Always adds a bit more balance to that left side, being a natural left footer. Good to see him back out there for the first time this pre-season. Interesting to see how he competes with Clement Lenglet. Went off with a potential injury. Fingers crossed.
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Matt Doherty – 7 – Always difficult for a right-footed on the left, but Doherty defended really solidly, while also getting up and down the pitch all half long. Looks very fit at the moment.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 8 – Completely changed the game in midfield. Spurs were sloppy in the first half, but Bentancur was so assured in the middle of the park, using the ball well and bringing the forwards into play with ease. Won the ball to set up Kane’s opener.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – 7 – Much better in the second half with his partner from last season, Bentancur. Much more composed on the ball after a dodgy first half. Good minutes in the legs for PEH too.
Dejan Kulusevski – 7.5 – Added a spark to that right side after coming on. Richarlison worked hard, but Kulusevski seemed to find more space in his half on the pitch and looked dangerous with every attack.
Heung-min Son – 7.5 – Made the opening goal of the game with a delightful piece of play, including a pirouette and pass into Kane. Would have liked his goal in front of the local fans, but Son played a good game.
Harry Kane – 8 – Looked much more like Harry Kane in the second half as the midfielders found passes into him more. Was pulling the strings with his trademark passes out wide. Took his goal with all the composure we associate with him.
Substitutes:
Bryan Gil – 5 – Always a willing runner and hard worker, wherever you play him.
Troy Parrott – 5 – Deserved some minutes and nice to see him get a chance as a loan striker.
Pape Matar Sarr – 5 – Still very young and very raw, but I like what I see so far. I respected the effort from 35 yards out!
Brandon Austin – 5 – Very little to do, but one nice moment when he picked out a great pass down the middle of the pitch when under pressure. Slightly nervy moment at the end when he scuffed another kick out.
Malachi Fagan-Walcott – N/A
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