Tottenham 6-3 Team K League: Five things we learned as Harry Kane shines in storming win

Premier League transfer update

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Tottenham were without a host of new signings through illness, but Antonio Conte’s side still got their pre-season schedule off to a flying start with a 6-3 win over a Team K League all-star team on Wednesday afternoon. Eric Dier thumped Spurs into a 31st minute lead, but Gue Sung Cho equalised on the stroke of half-time. Harry Kane was introduced at the break and his teasing cross led to an own goal almost instantly. Lars Veldwijk fired home from the edge of the box to restore parity, but Kane restored Tottenham’s lead with a pinpoint strike from range. Son Heung-min grabbed a fourth from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, just two minutes before Jun Amano beat Hugo Lloris with a long-range free-kick. Kane went one better by rifling in a free-kick of his own before Son grabbed a second to cap a frenetic match. Express Sport takes a look at five things we learned from Wednesday’s entertaining clash…

Richarlison gets going

Richarlison was making his first appearance since completing his £60million switch from Everton, and the Brazilian striker gave Spurs fans a glimpse of whats to come.

Although Richarlison failed to bag a goal, he would have had a tap-in if Kane’s cross hadn’t been diverted into an own goal. Away from goal, the new man impressed with some slick link-up play with Bryan Gil and Lucas Moura in the early stages of the match, which included a couple of neat flicks. He also showcased his impressive versatility by filling all three attacking roles throughout the match.

Tottenham have two of the most consistent attacking players around in the form of Kane and Son Heung-min, but the Londoners have paid the price before for their reliance on them. Richarlison’s arrival should change that – and his ability to play anywhere across the forward line means he is likely to feature more prominently than some may expect.

READ MORE: Chelsea face bumpy road ahead in talks to tie down Mount and James

Wing-backs struggle

It was a mixed afternoon for Tottenham’s wing-backs, with Ryan Sessegnon and Emerson Royal struggling to provide any real quality from the flanks.

Sessegnon enjoyed a strong finish to last season and is set to battle with Ivan Perisic for the left-wing back slot this season. He was a constant outlet down the left-hand side in Seoul, but the former Fulham man’s end product was lacking. It was a similar story for Royal on the right flank, who somehow missed a sitter from six-yards after some sterling build-up play from Richarlison.

On this evidence, it comes as no surprise that Conte has been keen to bolster his options at wing-back this summer. As energetic and lively as the Sessegnon and Royal can be, Conte’s system relies heavily on consistent quality in the final third from wing-backs; something that both struggle with.

DON’T MISS…
Chelsea learn salary offer already tabled to Koulibaly as deal ‘close’
Thomas Tuchel breaks silence on Cristiano Ronaldo to Chelsea
Barcelona ‘seal Raphinha deal’ despite financial turmoil

Gil handed a reprieve

It’s been a tough 12 months for Gil, who has failed to make any sort of impression since he arrived in north London in a player-plus-cash deal from Sevilla last summer. The fleet-footed winger ended up spending the last six months of last season on loan at Valencia – but he made the most of a rare opportunity to impress Conte in Seoul.

Gil impressed on the right-hand side of a front three for Spurs and was full of creativity and guile during an encouraging 45 minute cameo. Gil even managed to grab an assist after Dier unleashed a thunderbolt after a give-and-go with the young Spaniard on the half-hour mark.

There’s still plenty of work for Gil to do if he is to feature under Conte this year, but he did his first-team hopes no harm.

Kane still the main man

Tottenham could – and probably should – have had a hatful of goals in the first-half before they were caught with a late sucker punch. Unsurprisingly, Kane’s introduction at the break turned out to be the spark needed to get Spurs going.

The England captain had only been on the pitch for a matter of seconds before his whipped cross was diverted into the net, and he then went one better by lashing in Tottenham’s 3rd goal of the match not long after. Kane then wrapped up  an enthralling pre-season spectacle with a fine free-kick.

Although Spurs have improved their squad significantly over the summer, Kane is still very much the main man. Tottenham’s chances of success this year will once again hinge heavily on the striker, who has already laid down a marker.

Conte whipping Spurs into shape

Conte’s brutal pre-season training approach has gone viral in recent days, and the Italian’s tough stance is seemingly paying off. Although there were some question marks defensively, Tottenham looked formidable at times going forward in Conte’s preferred 3-4-3 formation.

With much more still to come from Spurs, and more signings expected, there’s every chance that Conte’s savage methods could reap the ultimate reward over the coming months. He wants Tottenham to challenge for trophies rather than make up the numbers – and it would be foolish to bet against him.

Source: Read Full Article