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5 things Tottenham learned in their 4-1 over Roma

By Rucker Haringey

SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 25: The starting line-up for the Tottenham Hotspurs poses for a team photo prior to the game against A.C. Roma of the International Champions Cup 2018 match at SDCCU Stadium on July 25, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 25: The starting line-up for the Tottenham Hotspurs poses for a team photo prior to the game against A.C. Roma of the International Champions Cup 2018 match at SDCCU Stadium on July 25, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /
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ENFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 06: Fernando Llorente stretches during a Tottenham Hotspur training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League match against Juventus at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 6, 2018 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND – MARCH 06: Fernando Llorente stretches during a Tottenham Hotspur training session on the eve of their UEFA Champions League match against Juventus at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 6, 2018 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

4. Llorente is still a poor fit

Credit the venerable striker for taking his two chances last night. He capitalized on a deflection to hit a trademark header into the back of the net to open Tottenham’s scoring. Later, he was in the right place at the right time to smash home a rebound off a wicked effort by Lucas Moura.

Unfortunately, you have to classify both goals as pretty lucky. You shouldn’t penalize Llorente for being in good position, but you can’t suddenly conclude he’s ready to be Harry Kane’s backup just because he finished two quality chances.

When you watch the rest of Llorente’s match it’s clear he isn’t the right player to thrive under Pochettino. He seemed to work a little harder on the press last night, but he’s simply too slow to be really effective. He’s a target man who needs to find a club that won’t require him to run all over the pitch.

It’s still possible Llorente can do enough to stay at Tottenham this season, but that has a lot more to do with the club’s ability to purchase another striker than his ability to slip in a few goals during the preseason. Spurs fans shouldn’t get too attached to Llorente. He’s still more likely to be sold than start the season as a key player for Pochettino.

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