Tottenham ended their week in South Korea with a 1-1 draw against Sevilla, with Harry Kane on target for the third time in two games, but what does Antonio Conte take away from the Suwon game?
His players are excited and ready to participate…
The Spurs boss wants his team to have a fighting spirit and plenty of needle was seen in what should have been a preseason friendly, with big tackles and a skirmish at half time when Sevilla’s Gonzalo Montiel was left with blood spilling from his head. mouth flowed after a collision with Son Heung-min.
Son caught Montiel, it seemed by accident, with his left elbow as he hopped over him to win the ball. Once he lifted himself off the floor, Argentinian Montiel rose to the challenge and took on Son, who responded by throwing a shoulder to his chest.
There was a clear physical exchange between Son and Gonzalo Montiel in the first half
Son drew blood from Gonzalo Montiel in a heated moment at the end of the first half
The first blow seemed accidental but quickly escalated with several players involved
Cristian Romero and Richarlison were the first to arrive when the incident drew players in. Even those already gone before half-time turned on their heels and returned to the field as tempers flared.
Lucas Moura is an option at fullback…
For the second time in two pre-season games, Lucas Moura was at right-back. The Brazilians are one of those who like to play everywhere and give everything. He performed capably in the role, offering a glimpse of creative flair as he got the ball in the final third.
In reality, Lucas probably played there because of Conte’s desire to give all his senior players at least 45 minutes. Ivan Perisic is still not fit to play and the Spurs boss needed Matt Doherty to share the burden with Ryan Sessegnon on the left.
Lucas Moura played twice this preseason as a fullback in the absence of Ivan Perisic
Still, Lucas is clear in his mind as a potential fullback and perhaps at times when the Spurs are looking for a target and want to have as many creative forces on the pitch as possible.
Erik Lamela shines again in the summer…
Some players just shine in the preseason and Erik Lamela falls firmly into the category. As a Tottenham player, Lamela made a habit of producing something that stands out in the summer months, fueling hopes before the rigors of the Premier League season took their toll.
Here, playing for Sevilla, Lamela gave a sweet reminder of his quality as he pinged a difficult chance, which came on the bounce, against a post with a swing of his left boot. He also left a bit of something on a few Spurs players, so that hasn’t changed either.
Midfielder Erik Lamela impressed for Sevilla against his former club Tottenham
Son Kane telepathy intact…
Good news for Spurs is that the Son-Kane axle appears to be in perfect condition. They came together well in the first game of the tour against Team K League and combined for the opening goal against Sevilla.
Son’s run and skillful turn brought him into a crowded penalty area, but he was able to put the ball out and Kane was just in the right spot.
An assured first touch and clinical finish later and Tottenham took the lead five minutes into the second half. Given their 45 minutes with Richarlison in the first half, it may take some time for them to develop a similar understanding with the new Brazilian striker.
Ivan Rakitic came at a distance with a sharp attack.
Son Heung-min put on a fiery performance against Sevilla in front of his home crowd in Seoul
Four against two in midfield becomes a dilemma for Conte…
The poise and elegance of Rodrigo Bentancur and the industry and the passing of Oliver Skipp have impressed, while Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg still doesn’t look his best and the tour was a disappointment to Yves Bissouma, who did not appear in either game. was able to play due to a positive covid test.
In the quest for natural balance, Conte could be expected to pair one of Skipp and Bentancur, his quarterbacks and pacers, with one of Hojbjerg and Bissouma, both of whom play more vertically, up and down the field. But he will need more time to fine-tune this department.
Spurs first half 343: Lloris; Romero, Animal, Sanchez; Moura, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Sessegnon; Richarlison, Kane, son.
Spurs second half 343: Lloris (Austin 70); Tanganga, Dier, Davies (Fagan-Walcott 85); Royal, Bentancur, Hojbjerg (Sarr 70), Doherty; Kulusevski, Kane (Parrott 70), Son (Gil 70).