Opinion: Player ratings from Tottenham’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Newcastle in Australia
Tottenham finish their 2023/24 campaign with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Newcastle United in Australia after the post-season friendly ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.
Let’s take a look at how all the individual players got on:
Tottenham player ratings against Newcastle
Brandon Austin – 6 – Barely got to touch the ball beyond a save that was hit straight at him. So nice to see him getting some deserved minutes though!
Pedro Porro – 6.5 – Took up some nice inverted positions in the attack but never quite got into a shooting or crossing position today. Went off at half-time ahead of the European Championships.
Radu Dragusin – 7.5 – Our first real chance to see Dragusin in his preferred position, right centre-back. I assume this is where his future lies, as Romero’s back-up. Looked really comfortable, strong, and composed.
Micky Van de Ven – 7 – It was very entertaining seeing the likes of Almiron trying to take on Van de Ven for pace. Obviously, it only ended one way. Taken off at half-time ahead of the Euros.
Emerson Royal – 7 – Looked like he had great fun out there, popping up in all kinds of positions in the final third. He may be on the way out this summer but Spurs need players with similar versatility in the squad. Went close with a header at the end of the match.
Rodrigo Bentancur – 7 – Looked really comfortable in that pivot role today. It has been a frustrating season for the Uruguayan but you can see his fitness and touch returning. Hopefully, that means he will be back to his best come the start of next season.
Pape Matar Sarr – 7.5 – Must be an absolute nightmare to play against. His high press won Tottenham the ball back in Newcastle’s half time and time again. He sets the pace for his teammates to follow. He looked like he was having real fun out there, summed up by his long-range effort from deep inside his own half!
James Maddison – 8 – Started the game in deep-lying positions and struggled to break down the Newcastle block. Looked far more effective around the Magpies’ box. Some lovely footwork to sidestep a few players and fire home to make it 1-0. Are you watching, Gareth Southgate?
Brennan Johnson – 6.5 – Started on the right side of attack again and flashed a few dangerous balls across the box. Sometimes, you can’t help but feel he should do better in those kinds of positions though. Was denied a tap-in by a superb Nick Pope save in the first half.
Dejan Kulusevski – 7 – Very interesting to see him playing as the central striker again. For the second game in a row, he impressed in the new-look role. No goals today but he did get into some good positions.
Heung-min Son – 7 – He simply has to play left-wing again next season. Looks far more dangerous and creative from out wide. If he has a big number nine to play off, he should only get better.
Substitutes:
Alfie Devine – 6 – Full of running after coming on at half-time. Sloppy at times but also had a couple of creative spark moments, particularly when he set up Scarlett for a chance in the box.
Ashley Phillips – 6.5 – Looked solid at the back and comfortable on the ball after coming on at half-time. Looks an exciting prospect for next season.
Oliver Skipp – 6 – Very sloppy after coming on, giving the ball away a couple of times on the half-way line but eventually settled into the match. Took the fifth penalty as one of the most senior Spurs players and slotted home calmly.
George Abbott – 6 – Came on at half-time to cover at left-back. Not his normal position but the inverted nature of the role played into his hands. Looked neat and tidy on the ball.
Bryan Gil – 7 – One of Tottenham’s liveliest players in the final 30 minutes. Everything seemed to go through Gil. Dragged his best shooting chance wide of the mark. Had his penalty saved though.
Jamie Donley – 6.5 – Dropped into the pockets really nicely and looked to create for Spurs. Seems destined to go out on loan or get lots more minutes for Spurs next season. Flashed a late effort wide of the post. Put his penalty right in the top corner – Harry Kane would be proud.
Dane Scarlett – 7 – Went close to scoring the winner on two occasions, once with a header and once with a snapshot in the box. Scored his penalty in the shootout. Unlucky not to feature more for Spurs in the second half of the season.
Yago Santiago – 6 – Came on for the last 20 minutes and looked tricky on the ball.
Tyrese Hall – 7 – ‘Shades of Mousa Dembele’ – the commentary team said. Looks really nice on the ball and those drops of the shoulder in midfield do give a certain sense of deja vu. Slotted his penalty away as cool as you like.
Alfie Whiteman – N/A – Went between the sticks for the final 15 minutes. Couldn’t get his hand on any of the five penalties in the shootout.
Leo Black – N/A – Cameo for the last five minutes.
Rio Kyerematen – N/A – Cameo for the last five minutes.
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