Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 2-2 pre-season draw with Wycombe Wanderers
Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Wycombe Wanderers: Five Key Takeaways from Pre-Season Opener
Tottenham Hotspur opened their pre-season campaign with a 2-2 draw against Wycombe Wanderers in an early Saturday kickoff at Hotspur Way, marking the first clash of a rare pre-season double-header for the North London club. The friendly provided an early opportunity to see how new head coach Thomas Frank is beginning to implement his ideas, and while results in these matches are far from the priority, plenty of tactical insights and player performances stood out.
Here are five things we learned from the entertaining draw:
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1. Tottenham Experiment with Three-at-the-Back Build-Up Shape
Although Spurs lined up in what appeared to be a traditional 4-2-3-1 on paper, the match quickly revealed some intriguing nuances in Thomas Frank’s tactical approach. In possession, Spurs morphed into a back three, with veteran defender Ben Davies tucking in from his usual left-back position to form a defensive trio alongside Cristian Romero and teenage prospect Luka Vuskovic.
This structural shift allowed right-back Pedro Porro to push much higher up the pitch, effectively operating as a wing-back or even an auxiliary midfielder at times. Frank’s familiar philosophy was evident: control the ball, take calculated risks, and create numerical superiority in key zones of the pitch.
However, this shape-shifting system carries its own risks. With such a narrow back three, Spurs left themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks – something Wycombe were quick to exploit at times. Still, the intent was clear: dominate the ball and manipulate the opposition’s structure in the build-up.
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2. Pedro Porro Flourishing in an Inverted Role Post-Postecoglou
One of the most eye-catching tactical wrinkles was the use of Pedro Porro. Rather than merely operating as a traditional overlapping full-back or wing-back, the Spaniard drifted into central areas, often popping up in and around the edge of the penalty area. This mirrored the early stages of Ange Postecoglou’s reign, when Porro and Destiny Udogie frequently inverted into midfield.
Porro’s intelligent positioning and chemistry with Wilson Odobert on the right flank provided Spurs with fluidity and unpredictability. The two constantly interchanged roles—one holding the width while the other cut inside—causing headaches for the Wycombe defence.
With his creativity and eye for a killer pass, Porro seems to be a key figure in Frank’s tactical blueprint. It wouldn’t be surprising if a more specialized inverted role is crafted for him as the pre-season progresses.
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3. Luka Vuskovic Showing Maturity Beyond His Years
Despite being just 17 years old, Luka Vuskovic delivered another performance that belied his age. Calm in possession, confident in his decision-making, and assured in his defensive responsibilities, the Croatian youngster looks every bit a future first-team regular.
What stood out most was his ability to play through pressure and initiate attacks with sharp, vertical passing—a vital trait for a centre-back in a team that wants to build from the back.
However, with the likes of Romero, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, and even Ben Davies vying for spots, Vuskovic’s path to regular senior minutes this season remains uncertain. A loan move might be the most beneficial route for the teenager to continue his development while avoiding stagnation on the bench.
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4. Pape Sarr Operating as a Shadow Striker
Pape Matar Sarr was a surprising choice for the number 10 role in this match, yet his positional deployment proved to be an intriguing tactical choice. He wasn’t the archetypal playmaker pulling the strings in midfield. Instead, the Senegalese international functioned more like a second striker, frequently operating on the shoulder of the last defender and even making runs beyond Richarlison.
He capitalized on this advanced role by netting both of Spurs’ goals—first reacting quickest to a rebound, and later applying a composed finish after a slick move. While his performance wasn’t dominant in terms of build-up play or control, his presence in dangerous areas proved decisive.
As Spurs await the returns of more natural number 10s like James Maddison or possible signings like Morgan Gibbs-White or Mohammed Kudus, Sarr’s willingness to run and take chances in front of goal offers Frank another flexible attacking option.
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5. Wilson Odobert Impresses on Pre-Season Return
Despite only recently returning from duty with the France U21s, Wilson Odobert looked sharp, energetic, and ready to stake a claim for a first-team role. The young winger was arguably Spurs’ standout performer on the day, showcasing excellent link-up play with Pedro Porro and a keen eye for space and delivery.
Whether holding the width or cutting inside to take on defenders, Odobert looked dangerous throughout. His quick turn and effort that led to the opening goal highlighted his sharpness in the final third. He’s a direct runner, good on the dribble, and already developing chemistry with teammates around him.
Given Thomas Frank’s history of developing inverted wingers into goal threats—think Bryan Mbeumo or Kevin Schade at Brentford—Odobert may well be one of the surprise breakout stars of Tottenham’s upcoming campaign if he continues in this vein.
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Final Thoughts
While the match ended in a 2-2 draw, the performance itself offered plenty of promise for Tottenham fans. Tactical innovations, youth integration, and fluid attacking play were all on display, giving a glimpse of the Thomas Frank era beginning to take shape.
Pre-season games are not about results—they’re about patterns, fitness, and chemistry. And if this match was anything to go by, Spurs have much to be excited about in the weeks ahead.