3 things we learned from Tottenham's 3-2 win over Vissel Kobe

Tottenham's promising summer continued in Japan with Ange Postecoglou's side overcoming an early deficit to beat Vissel Kobe 3-2.

Spurs' pre-season began with a pair of domestic victories over Hearts and Queen's Park Rangers and Saturday's outing represented a considerable step up in quality with the Japanese side midway through their 2024 campaign.

The youthful Lilywhites once again impressed to seal another pre-season triumph and Postecoglou suggested post-match that his squad had taken a "positive step" in Japan before heading to Korea for the second leg of their tour.

Here are three takeaways from Tottenham's 3-2 victory over Vissel Kobe.

1. Get to know Mikey Moore

Tottenham haven't exactly been proficient at producing their own since Harry Kane broke through and became the club's greatest-ever goalscorer.

However, there's real hope that Spurs' current crop can make headway at a senior level. Their leading light is 16-year-old Mikey Moore, who proved to be the match-winner in Kobe amid a majestic summer.

Moore was in the right place at the right time to tap home Tottenham's third in the closing stages, his third goal contribution in as many pre-season outings.

The free-spirited playmaker is a serious talent who's seemingly already ready to contribute to Postecoglou's side. He's adept in a range of forward roles but is particularly crafty in and around the opposition's box.

“Mikey has been fantastic since we brought him in," the manager said post-match. "He’s earned his spot on the roster at the moment - he did at the end of last year. He got a run with the first team because we could see in training that he was handling himself really well and that's followed through into pre-season training."

Moore rose to prominence following a productive Under-17 Euros campaign with England earlier this year and it may not be very long until Premier League watchers are enjoying the magic of Spurs' teenage sensation.

2. Familiar final third issues

Vissel Kobe offered a stern challenge for Spurs. Given they're in mid-season form, they were able to press Postecoglou's side high, thus testing their build-up.

Tottenham largely stuck to the task well and were able to progress through the thirds, accessing the likes of Dejan Kulusevski and inverted full-back Pedro Porro between the lines with impressive frequency.

While Spurs did find the net three times, they were frustratingly profligate in front of goal, with Postecoglou pointing out that youngster Moore could have bagged a hat-trick given the chances he squandered. However, their issues in the final third don't exclusively focus on wastefulness in front of goal.

In Son Heung-min, Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson, Tottenham have wingers who aren't exactly revered for their ability to retain possession. They're all very direct and there's little scope for a change of pace. It's all very fast. These direct profiles render the likes of James Maddison and Kulusevski, playmakers who enjoy having the ball, all the more important. They're able to shift and manipulate the defensive block before picking the right moment to pounce.

Kulusevski offered promise in Kobe as a withdrawn nine and Ange will hope the Swede can return to his most potent form because his profile is ever so important to balancing this direct forward line.

3. Other youngsters impress

Moore has gained plenty of headlines this summer, but he's one of multiple young Lilywhite stars to shine in pre-season.

Will Lankshear is a name to keep an eye on, especially if Spurs opt against signing a striker ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, as are new arrivals Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.

The two 18-year-olds have quickly struck up a wholesome off-field rapport and both could find themselves involved in Postecoglou's XI from the get-go. Gray, in particular, has shown in pre-season why he had a long list of clubs on his tail before Tottenham acquired his services for £30m plus Joe Rodon.

The teenager has operated in an unfamiliar left centre-back role, but he was never flummoxed against a Vissel team that sought to catch Tottenham out high up the pitch. Gray was silky smooth in tight spaces and unrelenting in his desire to get the ball upfield as quickly as possible. His ability to break lines is so impressive, as is the composure at which he plays in the build-up phase.

He will not be playing at the heart of Ange's defence in the Premier League, with Gray hoping for midfield minutes. He may well be competing with close confidant Bergvall in the middle of the park, with the Swedish sensation offering glimpses of his quality between the lines.

Bergvall combines a sturdy physical presence with majestic technical attributes and seems ready for the rigours of the English game.

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