Tottenham commenced their pre-season schedule with a 1-0 victory over League One side MK Dons, a match highlighted by a spectacular debut goal from new signing Mateus Fernandes. The friendly, played behind closed doors, saw manager Roberto De Zerbi utilise 21 players across the 90 minutes, providing opportunities for both new arrivals and younger squad members.
Fernandes, a midfielder who joined from West Ham, scored within three minutes of his first appearance for Spurs. His goal came from a first-time volley struck from range into the top corner, following a long punch clear by MK Dons goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray from a corner. The 22-year-old described it as his favourite goal of his career, stating, “It was my favourite goal of my career. By a mile. I need to do this more and more times, to shoot outside of the box, I know that I can do it. This just gives me confidence for the rest of the days.”
Former Spurs defender Sebastian Bassong praised the strike, comparing its quality to notable goals by Gareth Bale and Zinedine Zidane. Bassong commented on Fernandes’ balance, quality, connection with the ball, and his ability to keep his eye on it, calling him “such a gifted player.”
New Signings Make an Impact
Alongside Fernandes, two other summer signings made their debuts. Sandro Tonali, a midfielder who arrived from Newcastle, partnered Fernandes in a midfield double pivot. The duo, acquired for a combined total, provided control for De Zerbi’s side during their 45 minutes on the pitch. Tonali was noted for keeping play moving in midfield and using his experience to guide new teammates, while Fernandes showed a willingness to play forward passes.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who joined on a free transfer from Burnley in June, made his first appearance in the second half, replacing Antonin Kinsky. Dubravka made a sharp save from close range, reacting quickly to push a header over the bar. His performance suggested he could be a capable deputy for Kinsky, who started the game and appeared assured with the ball at his feet.
The club’s fortunes have reportedly improved recently, transitioning from a Premier League relegation battle to securing survival and making significant new signings. The arrival of De Zerbi as manager, following Igor Tudor’s struggles last season, has also contributed to this upward trend. Fans were keen to see how Fernandes and Tonali would contribute to this progress.
Youth Opportunities and Upcoming Fixtures
The friendly also provided an opportunity for several younger players to impress, as a number of senior players were absent. Mikey Moore, an 18-year-old who recently returned from a loan spell, caught the eye playing on the left. Midfielder Rio Kyerematen, 21, played the entire 90 minutes, demonstrating versatility by featuring at both left-back and right-back. Luca Williams-Barnett, a 17-year-old attacking midfielder, also shone, showing confidence and fearlessness in a deeper role, including a pinpoint pass that created a scoring chance.
These younger players, including Williams-Barnett, Moore, and Kyerematen, will be hoping for more opportunities during Tottenham’s upcoming tour. Spurs are scheduled to fly to New Zealand on Thursday for their pre-season tour. Their next fixture is against A-League side Auckland FC at Eden Park on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 04:00 BST.
Read Also
Source: bbc.com
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
