Mikey Moore scored twice as Tottenham beat Hoffenheim 3-0 in their first home match of pre-season, with Richarlison also on target to maintain Spurs’ unbeaten record ahead of the new campaign.
The 19-year-old struck twice after the interval, with both goals created by Mathys Tel. Richarlison had opened the scoring in the first half, converting Andy Robertson’s cross.
Robertson, Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Sensi all made their home debuts after joining Tottenham during the summer. However, Micky van de Ven, James Maddison and Mateus Fernandes were among the notable absentees.
Some of those missing could return for Tottenham’s final pre-season fixture on Sunday, when they face Hoffenheim again in a behind-closed-doors game at the club’s training ground.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side will then begin their Premier League campaign at Brentford next Saturday, in a match live on Sky Sports. Saturday’s victory was Tottenham’s first at home since they avoided relegation in May.
Moore’s performance will give De Zerbi an important decision to consider. The Tottenham academy graduate had been close to joining Bundesliga club Cologne on loan last week, but that move is currently on hold.
He showed his instincts in front of goal by turning in Tel’s cross for his first goal, although his celebration was deliberately understated. Moore was more expressive for his second, finishing Tel’s pass with composure.
His position for the coming season remains uncertain, but the two-goal display has strengthened his case for a role in De Zerbi’s squad.
Lucas Bergvall also impressed after previously appearing likely to leave the club. Newcastle and Nottingham Forest had shown interest in the midfielder, and it remains unclear whether he will still be at Tottenham after deadline day.
De Zerbi has said he wants to retain Bergvall after speaking to the player about concerns over his opportunities. The Sweden international has featured regularly during pre-season, and his performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday will have pleased his manager.
Robertson, meanwhile, demonstrated why he could be a key part of Tottenham’s plans. The Scotland international left Liverpool seeking more regular football, and his display on the left side suggested he will have plenty of opportunities in north London.
The 32-year-old repeatedly delivered dangerous crosses and supplied the precise ball that allowed Richarlison to put Spurs ahead. His arrival had already been viewed as valuable for Tottenham’s dressing room because of his extensive experience of winning major honours, but he also showed his quality in possession and in the final third against Hoffenheim.
Destiny Udogie has yet to feature in pre-season and there remain concerns over the Italy international’s fitness. Robertson has taken full advantage of his absence and currently looks certain to start against Brentford in Tottenham’s Premier League opener.
On this evidence, Udogie may find it difficult to displace the defender eight years his junior once he is available.
Tottenham’s clean sheet was secured in large part by goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who made several saves to keep Hoffenheim from scoring.
Kinsky also dealt confidently with crosses and was comfortable distributing the ball, qualities that suit De Zerbi’s approach. His emergence as Tottenham’s new number one represents a significant change in fortunes after his difficult performance in Madrid seven months ago.
The 23-year-old has now taken the starting place from Guglielmo Vicario, who was not involved on Saturday as Juventus consider a move for the Italy international.
