Tottenham managed to keep their pre-season unbeaten streak going as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Hoffenheim at Hotspur Way.
It was a busy game for Austin as he was called into action a few times during the 90. There was, admittedly, also very little he could have done about the two goals Spurs conceded and probably stopped a few more with his well-timed interventions and saves, as well as his claims and punches from crosses.
While he wasn’t able to be the same assured on-the-ball presence that Antonin Kinsky is, he didn’t make any mistakes either. Austin may have been the best part of a Spurs defence that was particularly leaky and disorganised on the day. 7/10
Souza had the unfortunate look of someone who barely played a minute of men’s football in the last few months, which would also be a true statement. Souza looked out of place in the game and struggled to contain Hoffenheim’s attacks, his poor marking partially responsible for Hoffenheim’s second goal.
When arriving with the ball in the final third, the left-back looked dangerous and was able to generate separation between himself and his marker on a few occasions. But it’s also impossible to see the left-back as ready for the intensity of Premier League football, where every mistake can have devastating consequences. He’s probably one of those players that would benefit most from going out on loan to play consistent minutes. He was replaced by Harry Byrne in the 71st minute.
5/10
Despite a difficult first half, Kevin Danso managed to grow into the game quite well, showing the defensive solidity he’s come to be known for at Spurs. As Spurs seemed to have grown in confidence while in-possession during the game’s second half, Danso managed to show his completely adequate passing game. Spurs certainly had defensive issues during the match, but Kevin Danso was not one of them.
7/10
Captain Ben Davies has again shown to be a steady pair of hands to call upon when needed, forming a solid centre-back pairing with Kevin Danso. Davies didn’t make any jarring mistakes and showed his value to the team both as a leader and as a player. His goal also helped Spurs prserve their pre-season unbeaten streak. 7/10
- Tye Hall
Tye Hall continued his already impressive pre-season by playing almost the full 90 minutes at right back. Despite being only 18, he didn’t look out of place when playing at right-back, and his familiarity with Damola Ajayi from his days at Tottenham’s youth teams showed quite well as they managed to combine on the wings a few times. 7/10
Spurs’ midfield as a whole, Bentancur included, had an average first half and a much improved second. The particular midfield fielded by De Zerbi and made up of Bentancur, Fernandes, Pape Sarr and James Maddison had never played a game together until today, and their lack of cohesion was clearly visible.
But Bentancur managed to settle into the game as it progressed and became a more and more authoritative figure in the middle of the pitch. His anticipation and out-of-possession work stopped quite a few of Hoffenheim’s attacks, and the midfielder will surely benefit from his first real minutes since coming back from the World Cup. 6/10
Pape Sarr was another player who struggled to make an impact in midfield, especially iduring the first half. His pressing and relentless running was a big asset to Spurs, though, even on 90th minute Pape Sarr still looked like he had barely broken a sweat.
His good combination play set up the goal for Luca Williams Barnett’s goal in the closing stages of the first half, but his in-possession impact was minimal as Pape couldn’t get on the ball. 6/10
Even when Tottenham’s midfield wasn’t able to operate at the highest level cohesiveness-wise, Mateus Fernandes’ individual technical brilliance shone through. Fernandes was definitely Spurs’ best player on the pitch and managed to stay on for the entire 90.
Both his short and long passing games were the bright sparks of Tottenham’s performance, and he delivered a great cross for Ben Davies to put away. 8/10
- Luca Williams-Barnett
Williams-Barnett was another player who made a positive impact on the pitch. Despite receiving relatively little service, he nonetheless looked threatening. His great strike set up by Pape Sarr allowed Spurs to keep their unbeaten run going as Barnett put in another argument for his first-team involvement come the start of the season. 7/10
Maddison struggled to influence the game from a shadow-striker role and was forced to drop deeper to get on the ball at all. It was his first minutes for Spurs in months, and he’s being carefully managed before the start of the Premier League season.
His lack of sharpness resulted in Spurs giving away a cheap penalty. Nonetheless its good to see him back in Lilywhite. 5/10
A good performance from Ajayi who managed to carve a few chances for himself despite relatively little service. He combined well with Tye Hall on the right side. 6/10
Substitutes
Harry Byrne (71′ for Souza)
Harry Byrne slotted straight in for Souza and looked much more assured defensively than the Brazillian left-back. A positive performance for the youngster. 5/10.
Miracle Adewole (81′ for Damola Ajayi) N/A
Reiss Elliot-Parris (45′ for James Maddison)
Elliot Parris came on for James Maddison at the beginning of the second half and although the youngster didn’t impress spectacularly, he kept possession ticking along and avoided any mistakes. 5/10.
Jamie Donley. N/A.
- READ MORE: Tottenham reach agreement in principle with Cody Gakpo and net spend leaves room for big bid