What we learned about Tottenham Hotspur in the preseason

Tottenham Hotspur has the preseason in the rearview mirror and Manchester City coming down the tracks, so what did we learn from preseason?

Tottenham Hotspur has the regular season straight ahead. Before the weekend and the start of real games, we should look back on what was an undefeated preseason. The Spurs showed a strong fight in a draw with Chelsea on the road. Even better fans got to enjoy the pleasures of a north London derby win over Arsenal at home. However, preseason is not about the wins, losses, or draws, it is about the team and the play. Based on that play here are three things we learned from the preseason about Tottenham Hotspur for 2021/22.

Tottenham will be a different team this season

It is not about the formation, which clearly is going to start as a 4-3-3, it is the style that will be different for Tottenham Hotspur this season. Even if new Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo surprised us all and went with a 4-2-3-1 to face Manchester City Sunday, it would be a vastly different approach to the formation than last season.

As promised in the offseason with all the “DNA” talk, Tottenham Hotspur is going to work hard to play on the front foot. Whether it is looking for long balls over the top, through balls between the lines, or intricate passing to break down opponents, the modus operandi for the Lilywhites is going to be to attack.

Whereas the approach – regardless of formation – with the previous coach Jose Mourinho was to sit back and look to hit on the counter; we should see the exact opposite from this Santo version of Tottenham Hotspur.

We should consistently see pressure from the front line on the ball and a real effort to move them quickly, up the field. Whether from the keepers restarting faster or more defenders playing long balls, except aggression on the pitch.

Besides a different, more aggressive version of Tottenham here are two more takeaways from the preseason for this year’s Spurs team.

Younger players are going to have an impact at Tottenham

We must give credit to Jose Mourinho with some of his decisions regarding some of the Spurs academy players and products. First, the decision to send Oliver Skipp out on loan to Norwich City looks like a genius move at this point. The minutes and experience Skipp earned, not to mention the trophy, are all things the young midfielder can bring with him into this season.

Based on the preseason, and frankly Spurs Twitter account, there is no doubt Skipp has a vital role to play this season for the Lilywhites.

Of course, Oliver Skipp is not the only younger Spur who is likely to make an impact this season. Dane Scarlett looks certain to be part of the first-team set-up and assuming Tottenham makes the Group Stage of the Europa Conference League, Scarlett may get significant minutes.

One of the things that excite me most about Scarlett is how effortless everything looks for the still just 17-year-old striker. The way he gracefully glides across the pitch and his calm finishing in preseason give him the look of a real star.

Bryan Gil has a chance to add to the youth movement

Finally, Tottenham also just added Bryan Gil from Sevilla. Gil, like Skipp, is just 20 years old and looks like someone that could contribute. Gil brings a skill set unique to Tottenham in his ability to take players head-on, which is lacking in other places in the club.

Sure, Spurs have players that can beat people on occasion, Gil is the kind of player that likes to beat people every chance he gets. That injection of energy and verve into the Tottenham attack could pay big dividends, if the young Spaniard is up to the challenge physically, which he was in La Liga.

If all three young men can step up and play the roles designed for them in Santo’s plan, then Tottenham will not only have a good season but may be set for years to come with three young emerging stars.

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.