Tottenham Hotspur launched their pre-season campaign with a 1-0 win over newly-promoted League One side MK Dons at Hotspur Way on Wednesday, with summer signing Mateus Fernandes announcing himself in spectacular fashion.

Fernandes announces himself

Just three minutes into his Spurs debut, Fernandes produced what he called "my favourite goal of my career by a mile" — a thunderous first-time volley from the edge of the area, kept alive from a corner clearance, that flew into the net to give Tottenham Hotspur an early lead.

The Portugal international, who joined from West Ham United for £85m, spent 45 minutes on the pitch before being withdrawn as part of manager Roberto De Zerbi's sweeping half-time changes. His willingness to drive forward passes through the lines was a particular highlight, offering a refreshing contrast to the creativity Tottenham Hotspur lacked last season.

Fernandes started in a double pivot alongside fellow new arrival Sandro Tonali — Tottenham Hotspur's club-record £100m signing — giving De Zerbi's side a commanding grip on the contest. Between Fernandes' flair and Tonali's steel, the pair looked every bit worth their combined £185m outlay.

Tonali and Dubravka make solid debuts

Tonali, while overshadowed by his midfield partner's early fireworks, kept things moving efficiently in the middle. He demonstrated his combative edge in one moment by cynically halting an MK Dons counter-attack to earn a free-kick. Once both were replaced at half-time, Tottenham Hotspur's grip on proceedings loosened noticeably.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, a third summer arrival, came on at the break and impressed immediately. The 37-year-old showed sharp reflexes to deny a late close-range MK Dons header, underlining his value as a free-transfer deputy to first-choice goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who started the match and looked composed in possession.

Absentees raise questions

Kinsky's rise to first choice and Dubravka's signing have cast serious doubt over Guglielmo Vicario's future at the club, and the goalkeeper — linked with Juventus and Napoli — was not present for the MK Dons fixture. Fellow Italy international Destiny Udogie also missed the game, though he was among a group watching from the sidelines.

Summer arrivals Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke are still awaiting their Tottenham Hotspur debuts, having only recently returned from World Cup duty alongside Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall. James Maddison was also among those watching on. Bergvall's situation is one to monitor closely, with Sky Sports News understanding he wants to leave this summer amid reported interest from Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons, and Wilson Odobert all remained absent as they continue their respective injury recoveries.

Young talent takes the spotlight

The absentees created space for Tottenham Hotspur's younger players to make an impression. Mikey Moore, 18, returned from a loan spell at Rangers and caught the eye with lively work on the left flank, and will be eager to build a case for a regular role under De Zerbi.

Midfielder Rio Kyerematen, 21, was the only player to complete the full 90 minutes, showing versatility by operating at left-back in the first half before switching to right-back after the break.

The standout from the academy group, however, was 17-year-old Luca Williams-Barnett. Deployed in a deeper midfield role, he showed remarkable confidence and composure, highlighted by an exquisite pass over the top for Min-Hyeok Yang — who squandered an open-goal opportunity despite an impressive first touch to round the goalkeeper. Williams-Barnett made just one senior appearance last season, but this display suggests he could push for a meaningful role in De Zerbi's plans.

The performances of Williams-Barnett, Moore, and Kyerematen will be closely watched as Tottenham Hotspur head to Australia and New Zealand on tour, with their next pre-season fixture against Auckland FC scheduled for 4am UK time on Sunday.