A comfortable victory was secured by Spurs in their second pre-season match of the Summer, thanks to a first-half treble against League Two side Colchester United.
Goals from Heung-min Son, Lucas Moura and Dele Alli were enough to make sure that Nuno Espirito Santo’s side would walk away winners, but the most important takeaway from the match was the return of the Korean to the side ahead of the new season, as well as Oliver Skipp and Japhet Tanganga.
With Spurs in cruise control, many players were given the chance to demonstrate their ability in an attacking, possession-based setup, but which players stood out the most?
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Despite seemingly being destined for the exit door this Summer, Cameron Carter-Vickers has featured in both pre-season friendlies so far, and today he outshone Eric Dier.
Newcastle are showing serious interest in Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers who has rejected proposals from home country MLS sides.
[Source: https://t.co/qwh473ttLE] #thfc pic.twitter.com/O4p8j3TEPC
— Hotspur Lane (@HotspurLane) July 21, 2021
Dealing with both of the Colchester attackers really well, his physicality was superior and he made some important challenges and interceptions too as he looked to impress Nuno and convince him to avoid selling him, but promote him instead.
It’s unlikely he’s done enough to secure his future at Spurs, but bis performance should have done enough to convince Newcastle United to pay the money the club wants for the USA defender.
Oliver Skipp
A promising return to first team action with Spurs for young midfielder Oliver Skipp, who has came back from a very productive loan-spell with Norwich City last season.
This pass from Oliver Skipp! 🤌🔥 pic.twitter.com/8kuXP3pNGU
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) July 21, 2021
Popping up all over the pitch, Skipp showed composure and strength on the ball, and just like Carter-Vickers, outshone a more senior member of the squad he was playing next to – this time in the form of Harry Winks.
The best moment of the first-half for the hot prospect was when he switched the ball exquisitely to the other side of the pitch, finding Steven Bergwijn perfectly.
Steven Bergwijn
🗞[@Telegraaf] | Tottenham Hotspur are demanding a minimum fee of €25M before they agree to sell Steven Bergwijn.
⚪️Spurs are very ‘reluctant’ to sell Bergwijn, but Ajax are still trying to make an ambitious move to lure him back to Holland.#THFC #COYShttps://t.co/pK6DVPhtfc
— Last Word On Spurs (@LastWordOnSpurs) July 21, 2021
Still not at the confidence level that Nuno will be wanting from the Dutchman, but Bergwijn looked a lot fitter, faster and sharper than what we have seen from him in the last season.
He showed terrific unselfishness to slide in Heung-min Son for the opener early on in the first-half, but perhaps it was a sign he’s not quite got that self-belief yet to take the chance on himself.
However, he hugged the left touchline all game while he was on the pitch and looked far more comfortable operating out wide on that flanks as opposed to the left.