Sports Mole looks at how Tottenham could line up for Saturday’s clash with Vissel Kobe at Japan National Stadium.
In Tottenham’s last pre-season friendly against Queens Park Rangers on July 20, boss Ange Postecoglou named midfielders Oliver Skipp and Archie Gray in the backline, but he will be pleased to at least have natural centre-back Radu Dragusin available for Saturday’s clash.
The Romanian defender returned to Spurs after taking a break following the end of his nation’s Euro 2024 campaign, but his presence in the defence could give the team an extra boost if Gray is pushed further forward as a result.
The former Leeds youngster is touted as one of a number of exciting English prospects, and many believe that Gray’s future ultimately lies in midfield.
This could mean that one of Yves Bissouma or Pape Matar Sarr are left out of midfield in order to make way for Gray.
However, while Gray could be placed in a more natural position, Skipp may be forced to once again play in defence, though he will at least be aided by Dragusin this time.
Postecoglou substituted the entire starting XI during the match against Queens Park Rangers, but on Saturday he could give star players like James Maddison and Heung-min Son an extended period on the pitch as he seeks to build their fitness levels in preparation for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Unfortunately, left-back Destiny Udogie looks set to miss out on a starting spot as he is still recovering from surgery to his left quadriceps.
More positively, summer signing Lucas Bergvall, who was forced off with an apparent injury against QPR, will be available for selection.
Tottenham possible starting lineup: Austin; Porro, Skipp, Dragusin, Donley; Kulusevski, Gray, Bissouma; Maddison, Son, Werner
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