London Evening Standard

Maddison had yet to feature at all for Spurs over the summer, having been bothered by an unspecified issue that followed an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in pre-season last year that saw him miss most of the ensuing campaign.

There appeared to be concern that the playmaker would begin another season on the sidelines, with just a week to go before Roberto De Zerbi’s side open Premier League proceedings with a short trip to Brentford.

However, Maddison was named in Tottenham’s starting XI on Sunday as they took on Hoffenheim for the second time in the space of less than 24 hours.

But while Saturday’s 3-0 win over the same Bundesliga opponents - which saw Mikey Moore notch a brace and Richarlison also on target - took place in front of fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the second contest was held behind closed doors at Spurs’ Hotspur Way training complex in Enfield.

A completely different Spurs starting XI featured Maddison, who got 45 minutes under his belt on his first start in nearly 12 months.

He made way for youngster Reiss Elliot-Parris at the interval after a mixed display that included losing the ball early inside the box and fouling Leon Avdullahu, allowing Adam Hlozek to put Hoffenheim in front from the penalty spot.

There was a welcome full 90 minutes for fellow midfielder Mateus Fernandes, Spurs’ £85million summer signing from rivals West Ham who looks ready for the new season after being bothered by a calf complaint suffered on Tottenham’s pre-season tour to New Zealand and Australia.

The Portuguese international impressed again for his new club, providing the pinpoint cross from which veteran defender Ben Davies headed home the equaliser from close range in the 20th minute following a short corner routine.

Tottenham turned things around just before half-time, when highly-rated young winger Luca Williams-Barnett fired expertly past Luca Philipp after a driving run from Pape Matar Sarr, who also returned to action on Sunday along with Rodrigo Bentancur.

Valentin Gendrey beat Brandon Austin with a volley after the break to restore parity for Hoffenheim, while Kevin Danso then hit the crossbar and teenage winger Miracle Adewole almost netted late on as Spurs pushed in vain for a winning goal.

While the returns of Maddison and Fernandes, plus minutes for the likes of Bentancur, Sarr, Williams-Barnett and Souza, will please Tottenham fans, the fact that none of Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie or Mohammed Kudus played at all in pre-season will be an obvious concern ahead of the clash with Brentford.

The same is also true of Dejan Kulusevski, who is making his way back in training after a knee injury that has prevented him from playing since May 2025, while Dominic Solanke was absent again on Sunday along with Guglielmo Vicario, who is expected to leave Tottenham before the summer transfer deadline on September 1.

Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons are still sidelined for Spurs due to long-term injuries, while Pedro Porro did not play in pre-season due to a holiday following Spain’s World Cup triumph but was back at the club earlier this week.

London set for days of rain at end of record summer: Will it save capital's parched parks?

London set for days of rain at end of record hot and dry summer

London set for days of rain at end of record summer: Will it save capital's parched parks?

London set for days of rain at end of record hot and dry summer

Tottenham rounded off their pre-season campaign - in front of fans - with a 3-0 win over their Bundesliga opponents at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Richarlison netted the opener in the first half, latching onto a deflected cross from Andy Robertson after a lovely turn and drive from £100million summer signing Sandro Tonali.

It was a goal that defines a Roberto De Zerbi side; quick pass and move, free-flowing football, and a neat finish.

Spurs struggled in the opening exchanges with several patterns of play going awry or looking rushed and ragged, but they dominated proceedings as Hoffenheim sat in and the game wore on.

The north Londoners lined up with a number of senior players still out of action, although some may feature in the behind closed doors friendly against the same opposition on Sunday, with the game taking place at Hotspur Way.

Micky Van de Ven was a notable omission, while Mohammed Kudus and Mateus Fernandes were also absent. World Cup winner Pedro Porro was given a hero’s welcome and a rapturous reception as he displayed his winners’ medal to the Spurs fans ahead of kick off.

Eye-catching performances came from Robertson at left-back, with his guile and energy down the flank going hand in hand with his laser-like crossing.

Tonali impressed in the engine room, while Mikey Moore was lively on the right wing, terrorising former Brighton left-back Bernardo. He deservedly got his goal just shy of the hour mark, ghosting into the box to convert Mathys Tel’s cross.

Moore, who was on loan at Rangers last term, doubled his money with ten minutes to play as he was again fed by Tel, before slotting home past Oliver Baumann.

Spurs were victorious in final friendly in front of fans

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Tottenham Edition

Your weekly briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Mikey Moore’s second-half brace ensured Tottenham rounded off their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 3-0 win at home to Hoffenheim.

Richarlison gave the hosts the lead after 35 minutes, finishing from Andy Robertson’s deflected cross before Moore scored twice to send a timely reminder of his quality before he leaves on loan.

After an unbeaten pre-season, attention now turns towards next weekend’s Premier League opener away at Brentford.

Tottenham fitness issues persist one week out

This season is supposed to mark the start of a new era under Roberto De Zerbi after successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League.

Some things never change, though, and a week out from the start of the Premier League, De Zerbi is still sweating over the fitness of several key first-team players.

Despite naming a strong starting lineup, there were a notable number of absentees against Hoffenheim.

Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie and James Maddison are still yet to play during pre-season, while the likes of Dominic Solanke and Mateus Fernandes have had their minutes managed.

Tomorrow’s behind-closed-doors friendly offers a chance for some of those who did not play this afternoon to get some minutes under their belt.

There are, however, still plenty of fitness concerns heading into next weekend’s curtain raiser against Brentford.

Moore announces himself before potential farewell

It seems that Moore is unlikely to be sticking around much longer as he closes in on a loan move away from Spurs.

Still, he ensured that if this is to be his final appearance in a white shirt for a while, he will leave a lasting impression.

Read More

Tottenham vs Hoffenheim LIVE: Latest score and updates for pre-season friendly

Tottenham player ratings: Moore steals show as Tonali justifies price tag

Tottenham down Hoffenheim in final pre-season outing

Sponsored

Discover a hidden island paradise in the Indian Ocean

Not much came off for him in the first-half, despite his best efforts. But he was quickly rewarded after the break as he turned home Mathys Tel’s cross to double Spurs’ lead.

Moore possesses all the confidence and directness a young winger needs, and he capped an excellent performance with a lovely sneaked effort, his final touch of the game, that crept into the corner to make it 3-0.

Spurs are in the market for attacking signings before the end of the transfer window, meaning Moore is unlikely to get the minutes he wants.

The 19-year-old has proven over the course of the summer, though, that he is more than capable of breaking into the first team if given an opportunity.

While De Zerbi will have been delighted with Moore’s performance, it has come at a slightly awkward time, especially if Spurs struggle to get their attacking targets through the door.

Tel continues impressive pre-season

Tel has been one of Spurs’ brightest players during pre-season, and he rounded off an impressive summer with two assists against Hoffenheim

After a frustrating opening 45, the former Bayern Munich forward really grew into the game after the break and laid on both goals for Moore as Spurs raced away from their German opponents in the second-half.

The French youth international made a superb burst into the box before laying the ball on a plate for Moore to score as Spurs doubled their lead in the 59th minute.

His second assist came when he played the ball from his right to his left foot before slipping his opposite winger in on the right side of the box, with the academy graduate finding the bottom corner with a deft finish.

Spurs are searching for attacking reinforcements, but Tel has certainly made a case for more minutes this season.

It was a frustrating campaign for all involved at Spurs, but the Frenchman in particular will have been disappointed with the lack of opportunities he had last term.

After deciding not to leave in January, the 21-year-old has now made his case for his future at the club.

MORE ABOUT

Spurs cruised to victory in final pre-season outing

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Tottenham Edition

Your weekly briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham rounded off their pre-season with a commanding 3-0 win at home to Hoffenheim.

Spurs took the lead in the 35th minute after a well-worked move ended with Richarlison finishing Andy Robertson’s deflected cross.

Mikey Moore doubled the hosts’ lead after the break as he stole ahead of his marker to convert Mathys Tel’s cross.

The pair then linked up again in the 80th minute as Tel found Moore, who sneaked his effort into the bottom corner to make it three.

Sam Tabuteau was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Spurs players…

Antonin Kinsky 6: Pulled off a neat save to keep the score level towards the end of the first half. Some shaky moments in possession, but that did not deter him from looking to play directly.

Archie Gray 6: Roberto De Zerbi has put a lot of trust in Gray during pre-season, and he handed him the captain’s armband again this afternoon. Diligent defensively but left Moore to his own devices in attack.

Marcos Senesi 7: Starting for the first time alongside Van Hecke, he made some timely interventions and showed his class in possession with a few nice line-breaking passes.

Jan Paul van Hecke 7: The more aggressive of the two centre-backs, the summer signing pushed up in search of the ball, while Senesi covered in behind. A commanding performance from the Dutchman, who gives Spurs real presence at the back.

Andy Robertson 7: His first-time crosses caused real issues. It was his deflected ball that led to the opening goal, and he was Spurs’ main threat in the first half.

Sandro Tonali 8: It was his swift turn and drive that started the move that led to Richarlison’s goal. Happy to chase loose balls, make third-man runs and drop back to help out defensively. A dominant display.

Conor Gallagher 6: Dropped in to draw fouls and take the ball under pressure, but did not make much happen in possession. If he is to play a more advanced role, he will need to show more with the ball at his feet.

Mikey Moore 8: Put the ball on a plate for Richarlison in the first period. It did not quite happen for him in the first-half, but he got his reward after the break when he beat his man to finish from Tel’s cross.

Read More

Tottenham vs Hoffenheim LIVE: Latest score and updates for pre-season friendly

Tottenham down Hoffenheim in final pre-season outing

Man Utd vs AC Milan LIVE: Latest score and updates from pre-season friendly

Sponsored

Art After Dark is back with an exciting calendar of cultural events

Lucas Bergvall 7: Handled the ball excellently under intense pressure on the edge of his box and dragged Spurs forward with a couple of neat bursts through the middle of the park. Tired after the break.

Mathys Tel 7: Has had a strong pre-season. Grew into the game, with the hosts’ second goal all down to his desire to get into the box and make something happen. Linked up again with Moore late on to put the seal on a comfortable afternoon.

Richarlison 6: Opened the scoring with a smart finish. He anticipated the deflection on Robertson’s cross before firing home. Struggled coming deep to hold the ball up, which is an important part of how De Zerbi wants his striker to operate.

Subs:

Tyrese Hall: N/A

Malachi Hardy: N/A

Reiss Elliott-Parris: N/A

Jamie Donley: N/A

Miracle Adewole: N/A

Unused subs: Austin, Takai, Byrne

MORE ABOUT

It was officially announced by Spurs on Saturday morning that Romero had finalised a £34.2million transfer to Atletico Madrid, meaning Roberto De Zerbi will have to name a new club captain.

"We have reached agreement with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Cristian Romero," a Tottenham statement reads.

"Signed from Atalanta in 2021, 'Cuti' was a key player in our UEFA Europa League triumph of 2024/25 and was named captain for the 2025/26 campaign. His 32 appearances in all competitions last season took his tally to 156 in our colours.

"We wish Cuti all the best for the future."

A Spurs announcement regarding a second defensive departure is expected shortly after Spence was pictured in Milan preparing to undergo a medical at Inter after the Serie A champions agreed a deal earlier this week worth around £25.6million.

According to Gazzetta, Spence passed his medical and has signed a contract that will keep him at Inter until 2031, though will return to London to complete the work permit procedures.

Once this move is completed, Spurs are expected to shift their attentions towards bolstering their attack and have been linked with moves for Folarin Balogun, Cody Gakpo and Savinho.

The Brazilian winger did not join his team-mates on Thursday as they continued preparations for Sunday’s Community Shield showdown with Arsenal in Cardiff.

It was reported that Savinho was dealing with an illness - something that has now been confirmed by City boss Maresca.

“Yesterday he was not part of the session,” the Italian said at Friday’s pre-Arsenal press conference. “He was a bit ill.

“We'll see today, the session is in the afternoon, we'll see how it is and we'll decide.”

Tottenham are known to have been working on a deal for Savinho, who has been a key attacking target for much of the summer window so far.

Romero’s successor as Tottenham captain is not clear

Sam Tabuteau

COMMENTS

Tottenham Edition

Your weekly briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Tottenham will have to name a new captain next season, with Cristian Romero's exit now confirmed.

Romero was always expected to leave Spurs this summer and has completed a £34.2million move to Atletico Madrid.

Vice-captain Guglielmo Vicario is also expected to leave Spurs before the start of next season, potentially leaving Roberto De Zerbi with a decision to make about who will take the armband next term.

Spurs were devoid of leadership last season, with Romero routinely neglecting his responsibilities as captain through rash dismissals and misguided social media outbursts.

This is something De Zerbi has been keen to address in the summer transfer window, and he hopes the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali will add experience and leadership to his squad.

Spurs are not blessed with options to take on the captaincy, but Standard Sport assessed the three best candidates to take on the role this season…

Micky van de Ven

Getty

Micky van de Ven

Micky van de Ven struggled when taking on the captaincy in Romero's absence last season, but at 25 years old, he is still considered one of the key voices in the dressing room and was added to Thomas Frank's leadership group in October last year.

His sending off at a crucial point in a crunch relegation clash at home to Crystal Palace in March showcased his naivety and a propensity to look inward when Spurs are struggling.

The Dutch centre-half has, however, looked back to his best since De Zerbi took charge and is set to stay in north London after signing a new long-term contract.

A strong communicator and an influential presence both on and off the pitch, Van de Ven could benefit from taking on the added responsibility of the captaincy.

It is up to De Zerbi, though, to decide whether he feels Van de Ven is ready for the captaincy, given his age and relative lack of experience in a leadership role.

Pedro Porro

Getty

Pedro Porro

Spanish full-back Pedro Porro dropped to the ground as the full-time whistle sounded to confirm Spurs had survived relegation on the final day of the season.

Porro had given everything to get Spurs over the line, producing an all-action display against Everton to ensure Spurs' safety on an emotional afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Porro was one of De Zerbi's key players in the final seven games of last season, and he was rewarded for his contributions with a new five-year contract in June.

Read More

Tottenham XI vs Hoffenheim: Predicted lineup and confirmed team news

How to watch Tottenham vs Hoffenheim: TV channel and live stream

Romero sends Tottenham farewell message as £32.4m transfer confirmed

Sponsored

Rediscover your adventurous side on an exotic getaway

Despite interest from elsewhere, Porro is set to stay at Spurs, and whether or not he takes on the captaincy, he will nonetheless form a vital part of De Zerbi's leadership group.

Porro captained Spurs for the first time last season, and De Zerbi will likely entrust him to take on more responsibility should Romero and Vicario leave.

James Maddison

PA

James Maddison

James Maddison's return from injury in the final few games of last season was revitalising for Spurs.

Even though his impact on the pitch was limited, his presence alone provided a real boost as Spurs took 11 points from their final six games.

Despite a disrupted pre-season, Maddison is expected to play an important role this term, and De Zerbi will rely on the Englishman to provide inspiration on and off the pitch.

A well-liked and well-respected character around the club, Maddison has all the attributes to be captain.

De Zerbi has typically given the captaincy to his centre-backs, with Leonardo Balerdi and Lewis Dunk taking the armband during his respective spells at Marseille and Brighton.

While manager of Sassuolo, De Zerbi was not afraid to give the armband to more attacking players, with Domenico Berardi and Francesco Caputo both taking on the captaincy at times during his tenure.

De Zerbi, though, will surely not feel confident giving Maddison the captaincy if he can’t rely on him to play week in week out.

MORE ABOUT

Tottenham take on Hoffenheim this afternoon in the first of two friendlies against the German side. Roberto De Zerbi’s men will face off with the Bundesliga outfit twice this weekend, with this first match televised and open to supporters, and the second taking place tomorrow, but behind closed doors.

It is a final chance for fans to get to see how De Zerbi has been preparing his side for the upcoming Premier League season, after the Italian guided them away from what would have been a stunning top-flight relegation to the Championship last term. Now, he has been bosltered by some heavy spending in the transfer market.

Spurs have added Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Sandro Tonali, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Mateus Fernandes to their first-team crop, but De Zerbi wants more before the transfer deadline passes, eying further additions in his frontline. Savinho and Cody Gakpo of Manchester City and Liverpool respectively have been linked. Keep up to date with all the latest from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with our live blog below.

He was a key member in the north Londoners’ backline, but his absences through injury hampered Spurs last term as they staved off what would have been a stunning top-flight relegation.

His final game in a Spurs shirt came at Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge, which ended in a 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light back in April.

“It was my home, my challenge and the place where my family and I built such an important part of our lives. I leave with a heart full of memories and enormous pride for everything we lived and achieved together.

“When I arrived, I had a clear dream: to leave my name in this club’s history. I knew the only way was through hard work, sacrifice and achieving something that had seemed so difficult for so long: lifting a trophy again. And we did it.

“The journey wasn’t perfect, but I don’t want that to define my goodbye. I choose to remember the happy moments, the lessons, the people who stood by me and, above all, the love I received during these five years.

“Thank you to everyone at the club who shared this journey with me. Coaches, teammates, staff and every person working behind the scenes you are all part of my story and have a place in my heart.

“And to the fans: Thank you for loving me, respecting me and making me feel like one of you from day one. Thank you for every hug, every song, every flag, every applause and for always being there. I know I wasn’t perfect, but one thing gives me peace: I always gave everything.

“I defended this shirt with pride and with all my heart. Thank you for everything. I’m leaving the club, but a part of my heart will always remain here. Once I was one of you. Today, I leave as one of you forever. With all my love and respect. Thank you for everything. And goodbye.”