Why The Trip To Asia Is Good For Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur will be traveling to Asia just a few days after their final Premier League game against Hull City to take on Kitchee SC in the Hong Kong Stadium, for a post-season friendly.
While the scheduling of the game left many Spurs fans disgruntled and worried over the fitness of their players in what has been another grueling season, it also provides the opportunity for Tottenham to expand their fan base across the Far East and establish themselves on a global scale.
Tottenham may have a sizeable following around the globe including in Hong Kong and China, but in comparison with the fan base of the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, it pales in significance. The signing of Son Heung-min did provide them with a boost from a marketing perspective in South Korea, but for a club that is rising and growing at such a rate, they will also need to build their global image and capitalise on what is promising to be the best period in the club’s history.
A report of a study on the most followed clubs on Chinese social platforms – WeChat and Weibo, by Red Card, claimed that Tottenham are the 8th most followed team. The list was topped by Bayern Munich, followed by Manchester United, with Liverpool at 3rd. Tottenham at 8th, are higher on the list than the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester City.
It is indicative of the fact that Tottenham are a club on the rise globally and the fixture on May 26 against Kitchee will only help them further spread their wings in Asia and help them build a brand on a global scale.
So while on surface, it might seem to the fans that the trip isn’t a good idea but the benefits that will come out, far outweigh the little inconveniences.
And here is how Tottenham may line up at the Hong Kong stadium:
Probable Tottenham Line-Up
Hugo Lloris (GK)
The French captain will be in international action on June 2 against Paraguay and Michel Vorm will be representing Netherlands on May 31. So it is likely Lloris will man the goal.
Kieran Trippier (RB)
The right-back has been sensational in recent weeks and going by his form and with no international duty on the cards, he will definitely play.
Toby Alderweireld (CB)
The Belgian is one of the best Tottenham players and should start in Hong Kong.
Jan Vertonghen (CB)
Alderweireld’s compatriot Jan Vertonghen will take the second centre-half spot.
Ben Davies (LB)
Has been the unsung hero in recent months since Danny Rose’s injury. Will start on the left-hand side of the backline.
Eric Dier (CM)
With England set to play in the second week of June, Dier will have enough to time rest and recover and will begin in the central midfield role.
Victor Wanyama (CM)
Considering Mousa Dembele’s foot problem, Pochettino may leave him out for Wanyama and bring on Filip Lesniak for the second period.
Christian Eriksen (RW)
One of the best creative players around the world, Eriksen should be allowed to put his skills on display in the Far East.
Dele Alli (CAM)
One of the most exciting players in Tottenham and Europe, Alli deserves to start and strut his stuff out in Hong Kong and excite the fans.
Son Heung-Min (LW)
Playing close to his home, expect a lot of fans cheering for the South Korean international. Should be a part of the starting XI.
Harry Kane (ST)
The top scorer of the Premier League, coming into the game on the back of two hat-tricks, Harry Kane will be a definite starter.
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