As Spurs gear up for their first pre-season under new boss Thomas Frank, all eyes will be on the players ready to stake their claim for the 2025/26 campaign. Pre-season has historically been a proving ground for emerging stars—last year, the youth players stole the show with fearless, attacking displays. This summer promises more of the same.
Here are five players we believe will light up Tottenham’s pre-season fixtures and give Frank some serious food for thought.
1. Jamie Donley – The Playmaker with a Point to Prove
Jamie Donley is coming off the back of a sensational loan spell at Leyton Orient, where he was instrumental in their unexpected run to the League One Playoff Final. While that day ended in disappointment, Donley’s consistent performances were a major factor in a campaign where Orient far exceeded expectations.
Donley, a technically gifted midfielder with a wand of a left foot, already turned heads during last pre-season—despite being played out of position at left-back. This time, he’ll likely be deployed in his natural attacking role, especially with Dejan Kulusevski sidelined.
With homegrown status on his side and a manager reportedly keen to keep a close eye on him, Donley is poised to grab his moment. His creativity, composure, and eye for a final ball could make him one of the standout stories of the summer.
2. Mathys Tel – A Fresh Start Under Frank
After a mixed loan spell from Bayern Munich last season, Mathys Tel now joins permanently in a €35 million deal. While he showed flashes of brilliance, consistency eluded him under the previous regime. That could all change under Thomas Frank.
Tel’s profile is similar to Frank’s success story at Brentford, Kevin Schade, and the Danish coach is expected to play to the young Frenchman’s strengths—getting him closer to goal and into better scoring positions.
He impressed during the U21 Euros with some confident performances and clinical finishes, and pre-season could be the perfect platform to build on that momentum. Expect a sharper, more confident Tel ready to prove why Spurs made him a marquee investment.
3. Lucas Bergvall – Star in the Making
Lucas Bergvall was the breakout star of last season, and he’s ready to do it all over again. After a strong second half to his debut season—only disrupted by injury before the Europa League Final—the Swedish midfielder is desperate to make up for lost time.
This pre-season feels like a springboard moment for Bergvall. He’s no longer the wide-eyed youngster looking to prove he belongs. Now he steps into the summer with swagger, knowing he can impact games at this level.
Many inside the club feel he could be Spurs’ player of pre-season—and if early signs are anything to go by, Bergvall is ready to take that next leap.
4. Mikey Moore – From Prospect to First-Team Contender
Mikey Moore, who turns 18 this August, is one of the most exciting academy prospects Spurs have produced in years. He featured in the Europa League and Premier League last season, and now he’s gunning to make a case for regular involvement.
In early pre-season games—especially against EFL opposition like Luton—Moore could take centre stage, showcasing the flair and confidence that’s made him a fan favourite already.
With Son Heung-min rumoured to be staying for at least another season, Moore has a golden opportunity to learn from the best. But he’ll also need to fight for his minutes, with Mathys Tel and Son ahead of him in the pecking order. Still, this summer could mark the start of Moore pushing for more than just cameos—he’ll want to prove he can start.
5. Antonin Kinsky – Goalkeeper with a Point to Prove
While Guglielmo Vicario is expected to remain Spurs’ number one, there’s growing belief that Antonin Kinsky could push him all the way. The young Czech keeper showed promise during his appearances last season, including an outstanding debut performance against Liverpool.
Kinsky suits Thomas Frank’s style of play: comfortable with the ball at his feet, quick off his line, and tactically alert. With a full six months of adaptation behind him, he enters pre-season sharper and more prepared to stake a serious claim.
Expect Kinsky to get plenty of minutes in the warm-up games. If he impresses, he could genuinely give Frank a selection headache ahead of the Premier League opener.
The Verdict
This pre-season promises to be a crucial one for Tottenham—not just for fitness and tactics, but for squad shaping too. Under Thomas Frank, there’s a real sense that players will be judged on merit, and these five—Jamie Donley, Mathys Tel, Lucas Bergvall, Mikey Moore, and Antonin Kinsky—are perfectly positioned to seize their opportunity.
Keep an eye out. You might just be watching the start of Spurs’ next generation.
