Opinion: Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 5-1 win over Lion City Sailors

Tottenham Hotspur may have gone behind to Lion City Sailors, but the Lilywhites rallied in the second half to win their second pre-season match 5-1 in Singapore. 

Let’s take a look at the five things we learned:

Maddison creativity –

While he still impressed in the first match against West Ham United, James Maddison took his game to the next level against lesser opposition today. Although Spurs struggled to put the ball in the back of the net, the former Leicester man was a constant source of creativity on the turn, particularly with those outside-of-the-boot passes through the lines.

Maddison was also not afraid to try his luck from range, and went close to scoring a few times. Considering he has only played 90 minutes in a Tottenham shirt, the signs that Spurs have finally replaced Eriksen are positive.

Lo Celso renaissance –

Tottenham fans have been concentrating so hard on a potential Tanguy Ndombele comeback that we have forgotten all about Giovani Lo Celso. The Argentine has arguably been Tottenham’s best player across the two pre-season friendlies, creating chances and finding balls between the lines for fun.

You have to imagine that Ange Postecoglou is, at the very least, considering whether he has space for Lo Celso in his 2023/24 squad. If nothing else, he would be a great backup for James Maddison in the advanced role in that midfield three.

Problems at the back –

Same old issues for Spurs. It turns out that if you take centre-backs who struggled in a three, then put them in a very open back two, the same problems still arise. Tottenham are in desperate need of a new starting centre-back this week, otherwise they are going to be playing catch-up come the start of the season.

It feels as though Spurs have conceded from every breakaway so far this pre-season, one today and three against West Ham. Cristian Romero needs his new partner next to him as soon as possible to develop some kind of bond in this new formation.

Bissouma injury and fitness worries –

Bissouma going down injured just as he was starting to thrive in the Tottenham starting XI is classic Lilywhite luck. Fingers crossed it is nothing serious. One thing I am worried about is the fact that none of Tottenham’s players have been on the pitch longer than 45 minutes this summer. It feels as though other Premier League sides are a lot further along in terms of match fitness and sharpness.

Richarlison looking sharp –

With all the talk around Harry Kane at the moment, it seems as if Richarlison is getting his head down in training. The Brazilian looks fitter and sharper than most, displaying some great centre-forward link-up play to go with his hat-trick today. That is certainly no bad thing for Tottenham heading into the new season.

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