What we learned about Tottenham Hotspur in the preseason

Tottenham have several players with a point to prove

Think you are tired of hearing about the Harry Kane transfer story? Imagine being inside the Tottenham locker room. Here is the “Harry Kane team” as Pep Guardiola once referenced Spurs and they may or may not have Harry Kane this season. Well, if I am Lucas Moura, or Dele Alli, or Heung-Min Son at some point this might start to get personal.

This is not about friction between any of the three and Kane or the fans but about their respect and status in the beautiful game. Last season in the Premier League, Son was tied – with Patrick Bamford – for fourth in the league with 17 goals and was likewise tied for fourth – with Jack Grealish – on 10 assists.

Yet, when it came to naming a Premier League team of the season most pundits left Son off. Only one mouthpiece – Jamie Carragher – out of seven from Sky Sports had room for the South Korean sensation in their team. Yet players with far worse statistics and far less impact, like Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, and Raphinha got selected to the teams.

Son’s stance on Tottenham future was clear

Now this summer, Son signs a contract extension – regardless of what happens with Kane – and is talking about reaching a decade with Tottenham. How can you not love Son and how can you not expect massive things from the superstar this season?

Knowing the shared love and passion for the club that Son and fans have makes it super easy to cheer him on. Seeing him score big goals, like the winner against Arsenal last week is even better.

And Lucas Moura? Moura has had a wonderful preseason but still may not start the opener depending on circumstances. Seems unlikely this time.

With more possession, more balance, and more width in this edition of Tottenham Hotspur, Lucas should find more space to operate and attack. His eye for the pass has been impressive this preseason and that is not something that will just disappear if he continues to get the ball in dangerous places.

Whereas Pochettino denied Lucas the opportunity to start the Champions League Final he clearly earned, expect the Brazilian to play with an extra sense of urgency this season to prove who he is finally.

Dele has one more chance to shine at Tottenham

Speaking of finally, there is Dele, and we know this is a make or break for him. He is popping up; the question is can he pop off and make the big plays on a consistent basis like the team needs. If he cannot expect Santo to move on. However, it is clear the man is going to get a chance to prove he can still be special like he once was.

These three are not the only Spurs likely to have a chip on their shoulder heading into the season. Tanguy Ndombele will eventually show up and do not be surprised when he is more ready than ever. You can look at the Tottenham defense and would be hard-pressed not to find a player with a point to prove about his ability and game.

The point is this team is much more than Harry Kane and there are likely several players that want to prove that – with or without the talisman in tow. We should expect some impassioned play and some exciting times this season, oh and eventually an answer to the Harry Kane question but likely not until August 31.