Tottenham Hotspur closed out their pre-season schedule on a high note, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side putting in a polished display to beat Hoffenheim at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Bundesliga side made the trip to North London looking to give Spurs one last proper workout before the Premier League season kicks off, but once again Tottenham gave their fans plenty to be excited about. Richarlison got things moving for the hosts, tucking away a cross from Andy Robertson, before Mikey Moore took over in the second half, netting twice to put the result beyond doubt.
Yet for all the good vibes around the scoreline, it was one individual display that really stood out — and it might be Hoffenheim, and the rest of the Premier League, who should be paying closest attention.
Sandro Tonali sends a warning to Premier League clubs
There’s been no shortage of debate this summer about Tottenham’s spending, with Sandro Tonali’s price tag drawing particular scrutiny. But against Hoffenheim, the Italian midfielder made a strong case for why Spurs were prepared to pay up.
Tonali ran the show in midfield, pairing tireless work-rate with real quality on the ball, and his fingerprints were all over both ends of the pitch. He set up three passes into the final third and chipped in with four defensive actions, underlining just how much he offers Tottenham in and out of possession.
There were spells where he simply looked a class above everyone else on the pitch, setting the pace and driving his team forward at every opportunity. It was enough to earn him a 9/10 rating on the night — and on this evidence, opposing midfielders around the Premier League should be worried.
It was a display that gave Spurs fans plenty to be excited about heading into the new season, and a timely reminder to Hoffenheim, and everyone else, of what Tonali is capable of.
Marcos Senesi struggles for Tottenham
Not everyone had a night to remember, though. Marcos Senesi found things far tougher, and with competition for centre-back spots fierce — Micky van de Ven among those he’s up against — he’ll know he needs to make the most of chances like this.
Despite Hoffenheim being kept off the scoresheet, Senesi had a rocky outing personally, losing five individual battles, giving away a foul and getting turned twice by his man. Thankfully for Spurs, Jan Paul van Hecke was excellent alongside him, doing plenty to make sure Hoffenheim’s pressure never translated into goals.
Tottenham player ratings vs Hoffenheim
Antonin Kinsky – 6/10
Archie Gray – 7/10
Jan Paul van Hecke – 7/10
Marcos Senesi – 4/10
Andy Robertson – 6/10
Lucas Bergvall – 6/10
Sandro Tonali – 9/10
Conor Gallagher – 6/10
Mathys Tel – 7/10
Mikey Moore – 7/10
Richarlison – 6/10
Attention now turns to the Premier League opener, and De Zerbi will surely be pleased with how his side have developed over pre-season. If Tonali can carry this kind of form into the competitive games, Hoffenheim won’t be the last team left searching for answers against the £100m man.
