Tottenham: 3 takeaways from preseason win vs. Ipswich
By Aaron Coe
Spurs’ youth players getting a run
There were 20 names on the team sheet today and all 20 played at some point in the match. And while it was exciting to see Joe Hart get a few minutes in the second half as a new signing, it was much more exciting to see all the Tottenham youth on display in the last 45 minutes.
Previous loanees Cameron Carter-Vickers, Jack Clarke, and academy product Dennis Cirkin all get a chance to start the second half – along with Hart – and show Mourinho or potentially others what they can do.
CCV still looks a bit stiff at times, but his size and athleticism is certainly clear. Cirkin had a couple nice defensive plays and tried to dribble a bit but lost the ball a couple of times. Clarke showed me something as one of the few players on the pitch to put in a decent cross from the right-hand side of the pitch and a few other runs. It will be interesting to see what those three do for the rest of the preseason and if they can earn a place in the squad or are out on loan. Something to watch.
After those three we saw Harvey White – who blew his big chance on a free-kick – and a couple more teenagers in Dane Scarlett and new signee Alfie Devine. Paulo Gazzaniga then came in with Jamie Bowden about half-way through the half and that meant all 20 players had reached the pitch for Spurs. The rest of the second half was relatively open, but neither side created any clear-cut chances and the game ended 3-0.
It was positive to see so much youth on display for Spurs, hopefully someone from the seven non-regulars seen today can contribute this season, particularly early on when the fixture congestion due to multiple fronts is very real. Tottenham next play again in preseason Friday against Reading, again at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.