5 things we learnt from Luton v Spurs U21's

A lot more physicality in the Checktrade compared to PL2

The Difference between PL2 and Checktrade is the fact that the sides that Spurs face are a lot more physical in their play. In the PL2, most teams play a similar style and is more manageable but in the Checkatrade trophy, the League 2 sides put out strong sides that would normally feature in the League. Spurs found it difficult to play the free flowing expansive football that is their way.

Luton applied pressure heavily when Spurs were in possession and limited them to counter attacks. 

Joe Pritchard impressive in the heart of the Spurs midfield

The Spurs captain for the evening showed that he can control the midfield well. He was rewarded with a goal which did have a stroke of luck about it but was deserved for his work on the night. He

tried to get stuck into as many tackles as possible on the Luton players.

Spurs grew into the game as time went on

At the start of the night, Luton dominated proceedings but after their opener Spurs began to create a bit more and after Pritchard’s goal, Spurs were matching Luton in the middle better and were able to create more chances than those on the counter. In the second half, Spurs were able to get at Luton
more and more, which led to more holes being exploited by the likes of Loft, Miller and Tracey.

Miller and Austin showed why Pochettino took them on the USA tour

On Spurs’ pre-season tour of the USA, a lot of youth players were included in the squad. Of those Will Miller and Brandon Austin featured tonight and really impressed. Austin made a number of key

saves early in the game, when Luton were on top that kept Spurs in it. Austin also impressed with his ball playing ability as he was able to calmly get the ball to feet and help start attacks, which is essential in the modern era. Miller was also very impressive with his link up play, he most reminded me of Harry Winks as he’s ability to play the ball even when under heavy pressure is commendable. His pass to Ryan Loft for Spurs’ second goal was exquisite and even Christian Eriksen would’ve been proud of that one.

Ryan Loft has shades of Harry Kane about him

It might be early to be comparing the Spurs U21 forward to one of Europe’s top strikers but the style of forward Loft is, isn’t to dissimilar to that of Kane. This was most evident in his goal tonight, latching onto Miller’s beautiful through pass and holding off the Luton defender before cooling slotting past the keeper. This is typical Kane and can fill those Spurs fans worried about lack of
signings with mild optimism that we are producing a striker in a similar mould to our no.10. Loft showed all evening that his hold up play is excellent and can bring others into play very well. Defiantly one to watch in the future.