Prove Yourself XI: A selection Tottenham Hotspur's hottest pre-season prospects
By Fionn White
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The international tournaments are over, which means Tottenham are back. While it may not be coming home, the Lilywhites are going away, starting tomorrow evening with a trip up to Edinburgh to face Hearts
The Lilywhites then make the short trip across to West London to QPR before a preseason tour of Asia awaits Ange Postecoglou's men.
Arguably the most exciting crop of youth in recent years at Spurs, all eyes will be on what personnel and combinations Postecoglou goes for over the next few weeks.
Strength in depth and trust in youth players is as important as ever this year as the Australian will have the challenge of balancing his priorities between the Premier League and Thursday European nights, and pre-season has traditionally produced some memorable Tottenham Hotspur moments to pave the way for some of Spurs greats.
GK: Josh Keeley
While preseason is a time when we see Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman enjoy their annual minutes, it may be time to give a younger keeper a chance. Irish U21 international Keeley just edges out exciting academy prospect Luca Gunter having been exposed to senior football and helping National League side Barnet to the playoffs last year after joining on loan in January.
RB: Archie Gray
Said to be impressing in training, the summer signing from Leeds lined out at right-back in the game at Hotspur Way according to Spurs insider Alasdair Gold (via YouTube). While fans will be keen to see what the English U21 international can add to the Spurs midfield, this could be one to keep an eye on as Gray has lined out at right back on several occasions for Leeds in the Championship last season, and could well fit the inverted full-back role, a pivotal element of Angeball.
RCB: Ashley Phillips
Phillips spent last season on loan in the Championship after his summer move from Blackburn. While it will be difficult to break into the Spurs defense, the young defender will be looking to show what he can offer to either Postecoglou or potentially suitors for another possible loan move.
LCB: Alfie Dorrington
Dorrington was at the heart of the Spurs U21 side that won the Premier League 2 last season was a mainstay on the senior team's bench between November and January. While there are reports that the 19 year-old is set to have a host of EFL clubs looking for him on loan (via Football Insider), fans will be keen to see what he can bring the fold in a senior role.
LB: Sergio Reguilon
This one may prove unrealistic given speculation around the Spaniards future, but has Reguilon really been that bad in a Spurs shirt? He showed glimpses of his capabilities at this level during loan spells at Manchester United and Brentford last year. With Spurs thin at left back, could he be given one last chance by Postecoglou to adapt to the inverted fullback role and deputize for Destiny Udogie for the coming season?
RCM: Lucas Bergvall
As soon as word spread that the Swede had chose N17 over Barcelona and once Spurs fans got hold of his YouTube highlight reels in the Allesvenskan, this was one that really excited the Spurs faithful. Along with Gray, many will be tuning into preseason to see how Bergvall fares in the Spurs senior team, after collectting X goal contributions in Y games in the Swedish
LCM: Tyrese Hall
Hall gained the reputation of a hard-working box-to-box in the Premier League 2 winners' engine room. He was rewarded with appearances on the first-team bench towards the back end of the season, and a first appearance during the trip to Australia for the end-of-season friendly against Newcastle.
CAM: Alfie Devine
Spent last season with Ashley Phillips at Plymouth Argyle. Devine has long been talked about as a hot prospect since joining from Wigan as a 16-year-old in 2020. While we're not just yet in do-or-die territory, the England U21 international will be keen to catch the eye in order to aid his progression at the club with a host of attacking midfielders coming through the ranks.
RW: Jamie Donley
There were calls for Donley to be thrust into the first team when the then 18-year-old made his debut in the home win against Liverpool last November. Admittedly slightly out of position, it would be a shame to snub Donley for his selection, given he directly contributed to 17 goals in as many games for the U21 side last season (Transfermarkt).
ST: Dane Scarlett
It might be funny to suggest that the pressure is on Scarlett to perform given the fact he is still just 20. However, with Troy Parrott recently departing the club, it's clear to see that competition between strikers at the club is high as they continue the search for Harry Kane's long-term successor
With Premier League 2 Player of the Year Will Lankshear and Alejo Veliz hot on his heels, Scarlett will certainly be looking to make his mark this summer. Spurs are still yet to replace Harry Kane, and whether or not
LW: Mikey Moore
The exciting winger was rewarded with excellent in the youth system with numerous call ups to the first team squad towards the end of last season, making his debut off the bench against City in May. He followed this up by lighting up the U17 Championships at the start of summer.
Moore has been spoken about from a young age and the question is here can he be fast-tracked to the first team, so expect to see Ange Postecoglou use this summer as an audition for the 16 year-old.
Spurs' preseason opener against Tynecastle is available to stream on SpursPlay tomorrow July 17 from 7pm BST.
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