Tottenham Hotspur opened their pre‑season campaign on a high note, edging out newly promoted League One side Milton Keynes Dons 1‑0 at the club's own Hotspur Way training ground. The decisive moment arrived early when recent acquisition Mateus Fernandes produced a spectacular volley that left the home crowd buzzing. Fernandes, who arrived from West Ham United for a reported £85 million, demonstrated why he was such a coveted target, and his goal set the tone for a match that featured a blend of fresh faces, seasoned professionals, and promising academy talent. Roberto De Zerbi, the Portuguese manager, opted for a massive rotation, fielding a total of 21 players over the 90 minutes.
Three of the summer signings – Fernandes, Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka – were given the spotlight, while a host of younger squad members were handed valuable minutes as senior stars rested after the World Cup. The match therefore offered a clear snapshot of De Zerbi’s early ideas and the depth of the squad he now has at his disposal.
The opening goal came just three minutes after kickoff. A high ball from a corner was cleared into the box, where Fernandes, positioned at the edge of the area, met it with a first‑time volley that rocketed into the top corner. He later described the strike as "the favourite goal of my career by a mile," a sentiment that resonated with the travelling supporters who witnessed the Portuguese international’s dream debut for the club. His performance, though limited to 45 minutes before the half‑time overhaul, showcased his willingness to drive forward, make incisive passes and add a creative spark that Tottenham lacked at times last season.
Alongside Fernandes, Tonali formed a double‑pivot in midfield. The £100 million record signing from Italy provided the steel and positional discipline that complemented Fernandes’ flair.
While Tonali’s contributions were less flashy, his ability to break up opposition play and distribute the ball efficiently was evident. One notable incident saw him intervene to halt a swift MK Dons counter‑attack, earning a free‑kick for Spurs and underlining his tactical awareness. When the half‑time whistle blew and both midfielders were substituted, Tottenham’s grip on the game loosened, suggesting that the partnership had been pivotal in controlling tempo.
The second half saw Martin Dubravka introduced between the sticks. At 37, the Slovakian keeper proved that age is just a number, pulling off a series of sharp reflex saves, including a crucial intervention on a close‑range header from the Dons.
His performance reinforced the view that he is a shrewd piece of free‑transfer business, providing reliable cover for first‑choice goalkeeper Antonin Kinský, who started the match and displayed confidence with the ball at his feet. The arrival of Dubravka and the promotion of Kinský have cast serious doubt over the future of Juventus‑linked keeper Guglielmo Vicario, who was omitted from the squad for a minor training knock and subsequently left out of the upcoming tour of New Zealand and Australia. The squad list for the fixture was extensive, featuring a mixture of established internationals and emerging prospects: Damola Ajayi, Brandon Austin, Lucas Bergvall, Harry Byrne, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies, Jamie Donley, Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Tye Hall, Tyrese Hall, Malachi Hardy, Rio Kyerematen, James Maddison, Mason Melia, Mikey Moore, Richarlison, Andy Robertson, Reiss Russell‑Denny, Dane Scarlett, Dominic Solanke, Manor Solomon, Kota Takai, Mathys Tel, Dylan Thompson, Tyler Tingey, Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Jan Paul van Hecke, Luca Williams‑Barnett and Min‑Hyeok Yang, among others.
Several high‑profile names were absent. Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert remained sidelined as they continued rehabilitation from injuries and were not included in the Australasian tour.
Likewise, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr were granted extended leave after the World Cup, while Pedro Porro, Marcos Senesi, Cristian Romero and Djed Spence stayed behind to complete their commitments in the later stages of the tournament. Their absence opened the door for younger players to make an impression.
Among the youngsters, 18‑year‑old Mikey Moore, fresh from a productive loan spell at Rangers, caught the eye on the left flank. His energy and willingness to drive forward suggested he could earn a regular role in De Zerbi’s plans if he continues to impress in pre‑season fixtures. Rio Kyerematen, the 21‑year‑old midfielder, was the only player to feature for the full 90 minutes.
He displayed versatility by operating at left‑back in the first half and switching to right‑back after the interval, offering the coaching staff a flexible option in defensive positions. However, it was 17‑year‑old Luca Williams‑Barnett who truly stood out.
Deployed in a deeper attacking midfield role, he exhibited confidence beyond his years, delivering a pinpoint through‑ball to Min‑Hyeok Yang that almost resulted in a goal. Although Yang missed the chance, the assist highlighted Williams‑Barnett’s vision and technical ability. His 45‑minute cameo, his first senior appearance after a solitary cameo last season, could well earn him a place in the squad for the upcoming tour.
The academy has endured a period of significant turnover, with promising talents such as Will Lankshear, Tynan Thompson and Alfie Devine departing for a combined £34 million. The performances of Williams‑Barnett, Moore and Kyerematen therefore provide a reassuring signal that the club’s youth pipeline remains productive. Looking ahead, Tottenham will travel to the Southern Hemisphere for a series of friendlies.
The itinerary includes a 4 a.m. UK kickoff against Auckland FC on July 22, followed by matches against Sydney FC on July 29, Chelsea on August 1, a behind‑closed‑doors clash with Getafe on August 8, and two fixtures against Hoffenheim on August 15 and August 16 – the latter one at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. These games will offer further opportunities for the new signings to gel with the squad and for the academy graduates to stake their claim for regular first‑team action. In summary, the 1‑0 win over MK Dons was more than just a tidy result; it was a showcase of the squad’s depth, the immediate impact of marquee signings like Fernandes and Tonali, and the potential of a crop of promising youngsters eager to make their mark.
As the pre‑season progresses, the blend of experience, fresh talent and tactical experimentation will be crucial in shaping Tottenham’s approach for the upcoming campaign.