Juventus put up a spirited performance to beat a fledgling Spurs side 2-1 in the International Champions Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham were made to pay the price for fielding a rather inexperienced defence as Juventus striker and FC Barcelona transfer target Paulo Dybala proved to be a constant threat down the middle. The Argentine managed to score the game’s first goal, while the second one was scored by new signing Medhi Benatia. Erik Lamela was brought in at half-time, and his substitution changed the complexion of the entire match. Not only did he grab a goal for himself, he often tormented the Juve back line and created chances for his teammates.
Here are the player ratings for the game:
Juventus
Neto: 7
Starting ahead of the number one Gianluigi Buffon, the Brazilian rarely put a foot wrong, and wasn’t to blame for the goal conceded. Good performance overall.
Pol Lirola: 5.5
Struggled for most parts of the game, and failed to replicate the performances of last match.
Medhi Benatia: 7
Couldn’t have asked for a better first game. Was resolute at the back all evening, and also rose the highest from the corner to head home the second goal for his side.
Daniele Rugani: 5
Was far from his best and really needs to improve on his performances if he is to fight for a starting role.
Alex Sandro: 6
Had a decent outing and linked up well with his teammates to make things happen for the Old Lady.
Mario Lemina: 7.5
Arguably the man of the match. His intricate dribbles and his immaculate pace wowed the 31,477 in attendance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Hernanes: 5.5
Did not have an great game by any standards, as he was rarely part of the action.
Kwadwo Asamoah: 7
Put another spirited performance and looks to be improving game after game.
Miralem Pjanic: 6
Provided an assist for the seccond goal, but apart from that did very little to influence the game.
Roberto Pereyra: 6.5
Was tireless on the day and his constant pressing kept the Spurs defenders on their toes throughout the match.
Paulo Dybala: 7
Was a potent threat in front of goal. He latched onto a loose pass played by Dominic Ball and calmly slotted it past keeper Michel Vorm.
Tottenham Hotspur
Michel Vorm: 4.5
Looked far from convincing in the Spurs goal.
Kieran Trippier: 5
Kept making forward runs, but his cross delivery rate was second grade. Not a convincing performance by the right-back.
Cameron Carter-Vickers: 4.5
Failed to make the most of the opportunity handed to him, and was a bit overwhelmed by the situation.
Dominic Ball: 4
Arguably the worst player on the field. The youngster made a mess of the ball in the 17th minute which led to Juventus scoring first, and also was caught out of position when the second goal was conceded.
Will Miller: 5
Was average at the back but struggled when he pushed forward.
Ryan Mason: 5.5
Was one of the better players for Spurs as he controlled the midfield well with Wanyama.
Victor Wanyama: 7
Completely bossed the midfield for Tottenham, The Kenyan was physical, innovative, and also played a number of long ranged passes. Good show by the new signing.
Nacer Chadli: 4.5
Much like the 2015/16 season, the Belgian was a peripheral figure in the contest.
Tom Carroll: 5.5
Started just in-behind the striker, and had few moments of brilliance when he drifted out wide. However, centrally his impact was close to nothing.
Heung Min Son: 5
The Korea international tried hard, but did not manage to test Neto in the opposing goal.
Vincent Janssen: 5.5
Failed to live up to his expectations, as he was often isolated inside the 18-yard-area.
Erik Lamela: 7 (Top Sub)
His substitution turned the fortune back and almost brought Spurs back on level terms.
