Spurs dispatched Roma in an exciting first half display scoring four after initially conceding in the 3rd minute. 90MAAT takes a look at five things we learned from the match in San Diego.
1. Lucas Moura could be destructive
After his arrival at Spurs in January of 2018 Moura was only able to show glimpses of the exciting potential he had to offer.
Against Roma in pre-season he was arguably the best player on the pitch as he scored two fantastic goals, one a header and one a driven left footed strike into the corner.
With Son out for at least two months, Lucas could have a definitive role at the start of Spurs’ campaign bringing pace, skill and what appears to be a clinical edge to a Spurs side that can at times look lumbering and tiresome.
This could be a big season for the Brazilian and Spurs fans will be hoping he could reignite his career at the North London club.
2. Fernando Llorente can score, who knew?
Actually everyone knew Llorente was a very good goalscorer, it’s just that as with many strikers at Spurs over the last few years he wasn’t able to cut the mustard.
However, two poachers goals against Roma will help Spurs to offload him, or if this form continues in preseason, potentially cause Pochettino to keep the experienced Spaniard at the club.
The London side have been desperate over the last few years to find a player capable of taking the weight off of Kane’s shoulders, they have thus far failed. Despite this, Llorente with a bit more confidence and given some more game time could well be the answer.
3. Cameron Carter-Vickers isn’t ready just yet
While the young American and Spurs Academy product was by no means poor against Roma, it was apparent that he could still do with another season on loan before becoming a regular member of the Spurs first team.
CCV performed well in his two loan stints at Sheffield United and Ipswich Town and has clearly grown, both physically and mentally, since his performances in last years preseason matches.
However, with Centre Backs in short supply at Tottenham this season, and potentially shorter with an Alderweireld exit, CCV may find himself being used by Pochettino in rotation with the likes of Sanchez, Dier, Vertonghen and Foyth.
The powerful USMNT centre back showed plenty of aerial prowess and is an imposing frame for any opposition forward, a development of technical skills will see him fulfil that lofty potential.
4. Paulo Gazzaniga is Spurs’ new No. 2
Paulo Gazzaniga impressed many during his rare outings for Tottenham last season. Many were surprised when Pochettino made a move for the then back up stopper at Southampton, but the move appears to have paid off.
Initailly arriving as a third choice option behind Michel Vorm, Gazzaniga has proven himself a far more dynamic and promising option than the ageing Dutchman.
I’d expect to see much more of Gazzaniga this season as he looks to cement his place as the Spurs No. 2 and start applying pressure to World Cup winner Hugo Lloris.
5. Erik Lamela can challenge Dele
Erik Lamela showed further signs of being over his year long crippling hip injury as he looked sharp and effective again against his old club Roma.
It must have been a poignant moment for the Argentine, playing against the team that made him a name in Europe for the team that still believes he has the potential to become a star.
With Dele looking slow and cumbersome last season, Lamela has a real chance of pushing the England international out of the starting line-up.
Having moved into a more central role since his return, Lamela has great close ball control and can see an incisive pass, a little more end product and Dele is going to have a real battle on his hands to keep his place in the side, and that might just be exactly what he needs to get back to the heights of previous campaigns.
