Reading v Tottenham round-up: ‘Insane’ Kudus debut reaction as Solanke frustrates
Tottenham’s pre-season began with victory as they beat Reading on Saturday.
Thomas Frank, taking charge for the first time since being named Spurs boss, saw Will Lankshear and Luka Vuskovic score as his side won 2-0 at The Select Car Leasing Stadium on 19 July.
The North London club will next take on Luton Town on July 26, before a trip to Asia sees them face off against Arsenal, Newcastle United and Bayern Munich.
Here, Tottenham News rounds up all the talking points from a good start to the Dane’s tenure.
Kudus enjoys Tottenham introduction
Excitement has been high in the build-up to Mohammed Kudus’ Tottenham debut following the winger’s £55million move from West Ham.
And the 24-year-old did not disappoint. He first picked up an assist, collecting the ball just inside the box before laying a pass into the path of youngster Luka Vuskovic to strike home.
The second memorable moment saw Kudus surrounded by four Reading players, but still managing to dribble his way out and burst past a further defender, eventually creating a chance for Jamie Donley.
Vuskovic stuns on debut
Vuskovic’s Spurs debut was one almost two years in the making. The defender signed for the club from Hadjuk Split in 2023, but has spent the last two seasons on loan.
The defender looked to slot straight into Frank’s team, first rising highest to head into the path of Lankshear for the opener before getting on the scoresheet himself.
| Luka Vuskovic | Jupiler Pro League (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Goals | 7 |
Running onto Kudus’ pass, Vuskovic struck his effort powerfully into the bottom corner – demonstrating the goal-scoring ability that saw him score seven in Belgium last season.
Richarlison missing from squad
Richarlison’s future has been at the centre of many rumours this summer so far, and his absence from the squad against Reading has done nothing to dispel them.
Frank denied any imminent departure for the Brazilian after the match, but links continue to suggest the striker will leave The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.
Solanke frustrates fans
Dominic Solanke’s first season at Tottenham following his £65m move from Bournemouth was a mixed bag.
The striker managed to score 16 goals in all competitions but his frequent struggles to make a difference frustrated fans, and it was no different against Reading.
Spurs fans took to social media to bemoan Solanke’s reluctance to get into the box, often missing when crosses do come in.
Sign up for the daily Tottenham News newsletter on Substack and our new WhatsApp channel to have all the latest, breaking Tottenham Hotspur news sent straight to your phone.