Pochettino takes Tottenham to Girona encouraged by the performances of fringe men
Tottenham Hotspur winger Lucas Moura (pic: Nick Potts/PA Images). - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
Lucas Moura was one of a handful of players to show their worth during the tour of the United States
Spurs will play their final game of pre-season on Saturday when they travel to Spain to take on La Liga side Girona.
Tottenham Hotspur only returned back to England today (Thursday) after a tour of the United States and will be jetting off again very shortly to Catalonia.
Mauricio Pochettino will take his squad there with spirits high after several strong showing in the International Champions Cup over the past seven days.
It started with a fine 4-1 victory over AS Roma in San Diego before Spurs fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Barcelona.
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A penalty shoot-out followed the draw with the La Liga winners in Los Angeles and unfortunately Spurs lost 5-3.
But Pochettino saw them finish with a solid 1-0 victory over AC Milan in Minneapolis to continue their strong pre-season form and sign off from the USA with a win.
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Although the victory, thanks to Georges-Kevin Nkoudou’s goal, was important, the Tottenham boss was more encouraged by the way his team performed.
Pochettino told the official club website: “I am happy with the performance more than the result. To compete against a very good side, just like Barcelona and Roma, and to gain that experience for our youngsters is fantastic.”
As the Spurs manager said, it was an inexperienced team which faced Milan as Luke Amos, Oliver Skipp and George Marsh made up the midfield three.
Meanwhile in defence was Kyle Walker-Peters, 21, and teen TJ Eyoma and Anthony Georgiou.
All of them showed their worth to help Tottenham keep a clean sheet and dominate possession at the US Bank Stadium.
It offered Pochettino plenty of encouragement after Fernando Llorente and Lucas Moura both scored twice in the Roma win.
Against Barcelona, captain for the night Christian Eriksen was in classy form and Heung-min Son netted alongside Nkoudou in the 2-2 draw.
So, even though Tottenham had a lengthy list of absentees during their time in America, the fringe players have stepped up ahead of the Premier League opener away to Newcastle United on August 11.
Pochettino will now be sweating on the fitness of Victor Wanyama (knee) and Harry Winks (ankle) heading into the new campaign.
It is hoped, however, both Erik Lamela (muscle) and Moussa Sissoko (hamstriing) will feature against Girona (7pm UK time).
