Despite making the final of the Champions League last season, things were not always rosy at Tottenham throughout the campaign. The side struggled with injuries, meaning that they stumbled in to the final Champions League spot in May, finishing just a point ahead of their rivals, Arsenal.
Increasing their squad depth appeared essential this summer. Yet Spurs have made just two signings so far in this transfer window, with Tanguy Ndombele arriving for a club record fee from Lyon, whilst Jack Clarke joined from Leeds, only to be loaned straight back to the Championship club.
✍️ We are delighted to announce the signing of Tanguy Ndombele from Olympique Lyonnais.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 2, 2019
The France international central midfielder has signed a contract with the Club until 2025.#WelcomeTanguy ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/5GhqGi1q5g
This means that the Tottenham squad still looks a little thin, leaving them reliant on youngsters breaking through in to the senior squad. Here are five players who have made their mark in pre-season, and will be hoping to become a regular part of the first team squad this year.
Japhet Tanganga
It is unlikely that many Tottenham fans will have been aware of Tanganga prior to pre-season, however, the 20-year-old has done his best to change that in recent weeks.
He started both of Tottenham's first two games in pre-season, against Juventus and Manchester United
Spurs have plenty of options at the back, with Davinson Sanchez and Juan Foyth providing adequate cover for the first choice pairing of Toby Alderweireld
Oliver Skipp
Skipp played eight times for Tottenham
Having seen fellow midfielder Harry Winks progress through the same academy into the first team in recent years, Skipp will be encouraged that he can do the same. It is hard to believe that Skipp is still only 18, given the maturity that he already possesses. He has appeared comfortable on the ball during pre-season, and was far from overawed when he started against Juventus.
Like Tanganga, Skipp faces a battle to to move beyond the established stars in his position, as Spurs have the likes of Christian Eriksen, Ndombele, Winks and Dele Alli in their midfield. Yet he has certainly staked his claim in pre-season, and is likely to get opportunities at some point next season.
Kyle Walker-Peters
Following the departure of Kieran Trippier to Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, Walker-Peters will know that he has the chance to make the right-back spot his own.
Right-back was a troublesome position for the club last season, with Trippier suffering a major dip in form, while Serge Aurier battled with regular injury setbacks. The Ivorian has continued to struggle with injuries in pre-season, which has meant that Walker-Peters has started three of Tottenham's first four pre-season fixtures.
At 22 years of age, the full-back will feel that this is the time to push on, and he has delivered consistently so far in the build-up to the new season. After Juan Foyth was stretchered off injured
Troy Parrott
Parrott caused a stir with his form for Tottenham's youth side last season, netting 14 goals in nine appearances in the Under-18 Premier League. This led to him being called in to Spurs' pre-season squad.
Mauricio Pochettino has not been afraid to use him either, handing him starts against Juventus
He will likely have to drop back down to the youth team when the season begins, but Pochettino appears to have faith in him, so do not be surprised if he earns a senior call-up at some point during the campaign.
Anthony Georgiou
Georgiou received his chance in pre-season when Ben Davies was injured and Danny Rose was left in England to pursue a move away
Having already made four appearances for Cyprus, Georgiou will be hoping to make the step up at club level now, and did not let Spurs down when he started the opening two pre-season matches. He is able to play anywhere down the left flank, a valuable asset that may prove useful to Pochettino this season.
Source : 90min