Tottenham Hotspur: Grading the Spurs Players Against Espanyol

Tottenham Hotspur drew 1-1 with Espanyol as the first team concluded its preseason schedule.

Making his first appearance for Tottenham, Roberto Soldado opened the scoring from the penalty spot just prior to the half-hour mark, following a foul on Danny Rose.

The Spaniard and his fellow debutant Paulinho were caught sleeping for the visitors' equalizer when they allowed David Lopez to head in unchallenged.

Despite this error, both impressed in their introduction to the White Hart Lane faithful, as did fellow new signing Nacer Chadli.

The new arrivals fitted in well with their new teammates as Spurs put on an entertaining show for the first 30 minutes.

Some wonderful passages of play were lit up with equally eye-catching individual moments, though the frequency of both decreased as the game went on.

Still, manager Andre Villas-Boas was pleased overall, telling Spurs' official Twitter page that, though "The result didn't really go with the performance. I'm extremely pleased with everyone."

Receiving the biggest applause of the afternoon were Younes Kaboul and Sandro, with both players making their long-awaited returns from injury.

How did they and their teammates' performances fare overall? Read on for the (out of 10) ratings for the Tottenham players against Espanyol.

Goalkeeper and Defense

Goalkeeper

Hugo Lloris (6)

Gradually getting into the groove ahead of next weekend's season opener, Hugo Lloris was quick off the mark to cover for his defense. Overall, he was not overly tested and was let down by poor marking for Espanyol's goal.

Brad Friedel (6)

The American was worked only marginally more than Lloris—if that—and comfortably dealt with the few long-range efforts fired his way.

Defense

Kyle Walker (7)

Kyle Walker was adventurous in attack, combining well particularly with Aaron Lennon. More supportive in the first half, he stepped up with more threatening runs forward that livened things up as Tottenham's efforts dipped after the interval.

Michael Dawson (7)

Solid stuff from Michael Dawson. He marshaled young Ezekiel Fryers well and ensured Spurs were sufficiently tough at the back.

The centre-back did well to put Espanyol under pressure on a couple of occasions—winning the ball and sending his team forward thereafter.

Ezekiel Fryers (6.5)

Still a work in progress, but this was Fryers' most impressive showing so far this preseason. It helped he had the experienced Dawson alongside him (rather than midfielder Jake Livermore, as he did against Monaco), but he shone with some committed and well-timed tackles.

Younes Kaboul (6)

A positive return from injury from the Frenchman. Younes Kaboul slotted back in defense comfortably after his lengthy absence. Tougher tests are to come, though.

Danny Rose (6.5)

Impressive work yet again from Danny Rose going forward. He won Tottenham's penalty and showed signs of a burgeoning understanding with Nacer Chadli on the left.

The full-back is still developing as a defender and will be aided by having someone consistently alongside him when the season begins. There will be concern after he went off with an injury in the second half.

Kyle Naughton (6)

Kyle Naughton was sensible in his 15-minute second-half cameo following his arrival for the injured Rose.

Kevin Stewart

The young defender did not see much action after he came on for the final few minutes. 

Midfield

Midfield

Aaron Lennon (6.75)

A good first half from the winger saw him combine well with Walker and other teammates down the right flank. Lennon caused Espanyol problems with some teasing crosses early on particularly. Besides some occasional flourishes, he quietened down after half-time.

Andros Townsend (6)

Andros Townsend suffered from Spurs' low-key second half efforts and did not see too much of the ball. On one occasion when he did, he cut inside from right wing to fire a curling effort that almost caught Kiko Casilla out.

Paulinho (6.5)

Still adjusting to the different speed with which his new team plays, Paulinho will need a little time to adjust. Though a little lax in his own half, he was on the pulse going forward.

The new signing had a headed goal disallowed for offside. Later in the first half, he broke well from midfield only to be shepherded a little too far wide to get a shot off on goal.

Mousa Dembele (7.5)

Combative off the ball while intelligent and purposeful in possession, Mousa Dembele looked like a player nearing readiness for the season ahead. Once again he looks set to be the heart of the Tottenham midfield.

Sandro (6)

Like Kaboul, the Brazilian was given a warm reception which spoke volumes about the regard in which he is held. Sandro was not given much to do here, but the playing time will be welcome on his road back to match fitness.

Tom Huddlestone (6)

As is often the case with the increasingly heavy-headed Tom Huddlestone, his range of passing caught the eye. He was strong in the challenge too and ensured Espanyol did not take hold of the midfield after Dembele had departed.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (7.5)

Nonexistent against Monaco, Gylfi Sigurdsson reveled in his central role here. He was a willing conduit for his teammates, linking up well with several of them as Spurs built forward.

Nimble with the ball at his feet too, this was a timely reminder of his qualities.

Nacer Chadli (8)

Tottenham's newest Belgian charmed White Hart Lane with a skillful showing. Combining purposeful trickery with impressive acceleration, Chadli twisted and turned through an away side that struggled to keep tabs on him.

Attack

Attack

Roberto Soldado (7)

The recentness of his move to Tottenham means Roberto Soldado has a little work to do in getting use to his new teammates. Nonetheless, this was a bright first start from the Spaniard.

Making plenty of good runs, when he received the ball he showed exemplary control and clearly knew where the goal was. His calmly taken penalty bodes well for Spurs should they actually receive any this year.

Jermain Defoe (6)

As with Townsend, Jermain Defoe was unfortunate to arrive at a point when Spurs' attacks grew less frequent. Still, he held the ball up well and was a steady passing option.