Tottenham Hotspur enjoyed a successful return to South Korea, defeating the K-League All Stars in a friendly match. The game was a repeat of the 2021 encounter, with Spurs again emerging victorious.
Son Heung-min, the hometown hero, was the star of the show, scoring twice in a dominant first half performance. The South Korean captain was in an attacking mood, driving forward with intent and showcasing his trademark finishing. His first goal was a thunderous strike from the edge of the box, finding the top corner. He then completed a fine first-half display by cleverly nutmegging a defender and calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.
Tottenham's new signing, Yang Min-hyuk, also impressed. Despite playing for the K-League All Stars, he displayed glimpses of his potential, leading a couple of dangerous breakaways and testing Guglielmo Vicario with a fierce shot.
While Son was the main attraction, other Spurs players also caught the eye. Jamie Donley, who has been consistently impressive at left-back throughout pre-season, delivered another assured performance. His attacking instincts were evident, and he combined well with Son.
Archie Gray, starting in a more defensive midfield role, showed good positioning and defensive awareness. However, his passing was inconsistent, and he struggled to assert himself in possession.
Ange Postecoglou's side started brightly, but their intensity dipped in the second half as the heat took its toll. The K-League All Stars managed to pull two goals back, with Stanislav Iljutcenko scoring a brace. However, Spurs re-established their dominance with goals from Dejan Kulusevski and Will Lankshear. Oberdan pulled one back with a stunning volley late in the game, but it was too little, too late.
Despite the win, the match provided Postecoglou with valuable insights into his squad's fitness and tactical approach. The manager was particularly vocal in his criticism of his team's pressing during the first half, demanding more intensity and individual responsibility.
With the Premier League season fast approaching, Tottenham will be hoping to build on this positive pre-season performance. The squad's fitness and tactical sharpness will be key as they embark on a new era under Postecoglou.