MLS All-Stars vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Things Learned from Pre-Season Friendly
Tottenham's first public pre-season match ended in defeat but not disgrace as the MLS All-Stars beat them 2-1.
David Villa and Kaka scored the goals to give the All-Stars a 2-0 lead before Harry Kane's sensational solo goal brought Spurs back within reach.
Plenty of changes from both sides sucked some of the air out of the contest, while the altitude in Colorado did similar.
In the end, it was a good hitout for Spurs to begin their pre-season preparations.
Harry Kane Is Picking Up Where He Left Off
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In the opening stages of Spurs' first official friendly match of the season, Harry Kane looked as though his luck had abandoned him.
Twice, Kane found himself in the right place but saw his shots blocked by MLS goalkeeper Nick Rimando.
There was nothing Rimando could do about Kane's third attempt.
Leading a solo break, Kane raced toward the MLS goal. With the All-Star defenders backpedalling, Kane had time to set his aim and fire an unstoppable shot.
With one of the best goals in his ever-growing highlight reel, Kane was the sole highlight of a trying first half for Spurs.
In his 76 minutes on the pitch in Colorado, Kane was a constant threat and looked every inch the star that he has emerged as in the past 12 months.
Mauricio Pochettino will be relying on Kane to deliver in the coming Premier League season.
Kane's display against the MLS All-Stars suggests that he is poised to carry on the brilliant form of last season.
Spurs' Defence Still Looks Shaky
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Tottenham's summer transfers have been largely aimed at improving their defence.
The additions of Kevin Wimmer, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld have added quality and strength in depth.
Alderweireld was the first new signing to get his chance, and he looked a little shaky on debut.
The Belgian gave David Villa far too much space on the All-Stars' second goal.
He also struggled with his positioning throughout the first half.
Alderweireld is evidently unfamiliar with the deployment of the full-backs in Pochettino's system and repeatedly roamed out of position in an attempt to fill space.
There is little cause for concern, as this is the first proper friendly of the pre-season, but there is much room for improvement in Tottenham's new-look defence.
Nacer Chadli Is Fit and Firing
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The altitude in Denver was clearly having a significant impact on many of Spurs' players, but Nacer Chadli seemed to flourish.
Full of energy, Chadli could have had a hat-trick against the MLS All-Stars.
It was noteworthy that he appeared to spend more time infield as an auxiliary striker, backing up Harry Kane in the box as often as he stayed out wide.
He was a constant threat and clearly had the confidence of his team-mates as they constantly fired the ball to his position on the left flank.
Chadli was a key man for Spurs in attack last season and will be vital in the coming campaign.
With Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado both potentially on their way out, according to the Guardian's David Hytner, Chadli's versatility in attack is significant.
Spurs Have Genuine Talent Outside the First Team
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Tottenham kicked off their pre-season with a strong lineup but gradually introduced more squad players throughout the match.
Several showed that they will be pushing for first-team consideration.
Tom Carroll, introduced in the second half, showed the incisive passing and intelligent movement that has seen him described as Luka Modric-light. His ability to switch play quickly is so valuable in a team that is dominating possession.
Kieran Trippier's wicked crosses caused panic in the MLS side's box, and he was also impressive in defence, clearing a shot off the goal line and intercepting a handful of passes too.
If Kyle Walker slips up during the season, Trippier is poised to pounce.
Dele Alli was another who impressed in his cameo during the match. Despite his youth, or perhaps because of it, Alli is fearless with the ball at his feet. A handful of impressive runs were enough to set the pulse racing, and he seems certain to see plenty of first-team action this season.
Pochettino Is Prepared to Experiment
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Pre-season friendlies are always a place to try players out in new positions, but Pochettino's willingness to do so is still intriguing.
Brad Friedel, in commentary for Fox Sports, remarked that DeAndre Yedlin's time on the right wing for the United States' national team had left an impression on Pochettino.
Yedlin was deployed on the wing when he entered the match in the second half and gave a solid account of himself.
With his attacking qualities and unrefined defensive instincts, Yedlin is well-suited to the wing at this stage of his career, and Pochettino appears to have recognised this.
The potential sale of Aaron Lennon to Everton, as noted by Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, means that there are likely to be opportunities to play out wide.
Eric Dier is primarily a central defender but was used on the right more often last season due to an absence of alternatives. He performed well, but his future does not lie there.
Long term, Dier will be a centre back but Pochettino started him in midfield against the All-Stars.
Dier had little to do with Christian Eriksen and Moussa Dembele taking most of the attacking responsibility, but he looked unhurried and composed.
Any time that Dier spends in the midfield will help him develop his footballing abilities and his reading of the game. It is unclear how long Pochettino will continue the experiment, but Dier looked perfectly competent and could spend more time in the middle of the park in coming months.
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