Tottenham Hotspur's preseason friendly against Getafe was a rollercoaster of a match, offering a glimpse into the team's evolving identity under Roberto De Zerbi. Here's a deep dive into the 10 key talking points, with a heavy dose of personal commentary and analysis.
1. Feeling the Heat
The scorching London heat played a pivotal role in this fixture, with a 70-minute match structure designed to test the players' fitness. No substitutions from Spurs, and only a few from Getafe, meant the starting XI endured a grueling test. This was a crucial moment in their preparations for the upcoming season, especially with the upcoming clash against Brentford. The fact that Spurs' XI went the full 70 minutes is a positive sign, indicating that De Zerbi is building a physically robust and cohesive unit.
2. Taking Shape
The starting XI is starting to take form, with De Zerbi's preferred lineup becoming clearer. Players like Sandro Tonali, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mathys Tel, and Conor Gallagher seem to be nailed-on choices. However, there are still some fitness and availability concerns surrounding players like James Maddison and Dominic Solanke. The midfield, in particular, is a work in progress, with De Zerbi experimenting with different combinations, though he seems to favor certain players.
3. Bypassing the Midfield
An interesting tactical choice emerged early on: Spurs' defense seemed reluctant to involve Lucas Bergvall and Tonali in the build-up, opting for long passes and wing play. This could have been a strategic decision to counter Getafe's compact midfield or a result of player adjustment. As the match progressed, Bergvall and Tonali became more involved, but their defensive transitions sometimes left them isolated, exposing the team to potential danger.
4. Vertical Movement
Spurs showcased a new dimension to their attacking strategy, with synchronized vertical runs in opposite directions. This aggressive approach caused confusion in Getafe's defense and created space. The center-backs were key to this, with the double pivot providing short passes, while full-backs and Gallagher ran in behind, and Tel moved deep and wide. This level of off-ball movement was a significant improvement from last season and a refreshing change.
5. Fractious Friendly
Getafe's intensity and focus were evident, but it bordered on overaggression. Late tackles and heavy challenges frustrated Spurs, with some fouls bordering on dangerous. The referee had to intervene, awarding a yellow card to Ebrahima Drammeh for a dangerous swipe at Lucas Bergvall. The match threatened to boil over, with a shoving match between Sandro Tonali and Mario Martin, highlighting the tension between the two sides.
6. Second-Half Shift
The second half was a stark contrast to the first, with both teams displaying improved play. Spurs took control, with quicker ball movement and fluid positional interchange. One-touch passing returned, and chances were created. The match could have had a different outcome with VAR or goal-line technology, as Richarlison's header looked destined to go in, only to be denied by a diving David Soria.
7. The Phantom Goal
This near-goal moment was a reminder of the importance of technology in football. Richarlison's header seemed to cross the line, but the referee didn't award a goal. This highlights the need for goal-line technology to ensure fairness and accuracy in crucial moments.
8. Roaming Van Hecke
Jan Paul van Hecke's role is evolving, mirroring Cristian Romero's style. Van Hecke's physicality and passing ability, including line-splitting and diagonal passes, are valuable assets. If Romero leaves, van Hecke's skills will be crucial, ensuring a smooth transition.
9. Breakdown in Defense
Despite the overall defensive improvement, there were moments of vulnerability. Getafe's opening goal was a result of Bergvall's isolation in midfield and Ben Davies' distraction. These defensive breakdowns need addressing, possibly due to tiredness or unfamiliarity with each other's playstyles.
10. Limited Attack
Spurs' attack still needs quality reinforcement. Set pieces and crosses remain their best source of chances. The transfer market is crucial to adding a scalpel to their current blunt instrument. Despite the effort, the attack needs refinement to become more clinical and consistent.
In conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur's friendly against Getafe provided valuable insights into their progress under De Zerbi. The team is taking shape, but there are still areas for improvement, particularly in defense and attack. The scorching heat and fractious nature of the match only added to the intensity of this preseason encounter.
