Mikey Moore’s second-half brace ensured Tottenham rounded off their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Hoffenheim.
Richarlison gave the hosts the lead after 35 minutes, finishing from Andy Robertson’s deflected cross before Moore scored twice to send a timely reminder of his quality before he leaves on loan.
After an unbeaten pre-season, attention now turns towards next weekend’s Premier League opener away at Brentford.
Tottenham fitness issues persist one week out
This season is supposed to mark the start of a new era under Roberto De Zerbi after successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.
Some things never change, though, and a week out from the start of the Premier League, De Zerbi is still sweating over the fitness of several key first-team players.
Despite naming a strong starting lineup, there were a notable number of absentees against Hoffenheim.
Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie and James Maddison are still yet to play during pre-season, while the likes of Dominic Solanke and Mateus Fernandes have had their minutes managed.
Tomorrow’s behind-closed-doors friendly offers a chance for some of those who did not play this afternoon to get some minutes under their belt.
There are, however, still plenty of fitness concerns heading into next weekend’s curtain raiser against Brentford.
Moore announces himself before potential farewell
It seems that Moore is unlikely to be sticking around much longer as he closes in on a loan move away from Spurs.
Still, he ensured that if this is to be his final appearance in a white shirt for a while, he will leave a lasting impression.
Not much came off for him in the first-half, despite his best efforts. But he was quickly rewarded after the break as he turned home Mathys Tel’s cross to double Spurs’ lead.
Moore possesses all the confidence and directness a young winger needs, and he capped an excellent performance with a lovely sneaked effort, his final touch of the game, that crept into the corner to make it 3-0.
Spurs are in the market for attacking signings before the end of the transfer window, meaning Moore is unlikely to get the minutes he wants.
The 19-year-old has proven over the course of the summer, though, that he is more than capable of breaking into the first team if given an opportunity.
While De Zerbi will have been delighted with Moore’s performance, it has come at a slightly awkward time, especially if Spurs struggle to get their attacking targets through the door.
Tel continues impressive pre-season
Tel has been one of Spurs’ brightest players during pre-season, and he rounded off an impressive summer with two assists against Hoffenheim
After a frustrating opening 45, the former Bayern Munich forward really grew into the game after the break and laid on both goals for Moore as Spurs raced away from their German opponents in the second-half.
The French youth international made a superb burst into the box before laying the ball on a plate for Moore to score as Spurs doubled their lead in the 59th minute.
His second assist came when he played the ball from his right to his left foot before slipping his opposite winger in on the right side of the box, with the academy graduate finding the bottom corner with a deft finish.
Spurs are searching for attacking reinforcements, but Tel has certainly made a case for more minutes this season.
It was a frustrating campaign for all involved at Spurs, but the Frenchman in particular will have been disappointed with the lack of opportunities he had last term.
After deciding not to leave in January, the 21-year-old has now made his case for his future at the club.
