Three Tottenham players who impressed Roberto De Zerbi during Auckland friendly win | OneFootball

Spurs made it back-to-back summer wins despite missing many key stars at Eden Park

Tottenham got their pre-season tour of New Zealand and Australia under way with a 2-0 win over Auckland FC on Sunday.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side followed up last week’s 1-0 behind-closed-doors victory against MK Dons with another comfortable victory at Eden Park.

In front of a record crowd, an understrength Spurs side made light work of their A-League opponents, with Dane Scarlett opening the scoring in the 12th minute before Richarlison wrapped things up just past the hour mark.

After an energy-sapping journey Down Under, De Zerbi was keen to rest many of his big-name players, and gave starts to a number of academy talents including Luca Williams-Barnett and Tye Hall.

Spurs, though, were not made to miss any of their senior stars and will now take on Sydney FC on Wednesday looking to continue their perfect start to pre-season.

After another confident display, Standard Sport identifies three players who impressed for Tottenham against Auckland FC.

Proving his worth: Richarlison scored Tottenham’s second goal against Auckland FC

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De Zerbi has admitted that Tottenham remain in the market for attacking reinforcements despite a heavy summer of spending so far.

Spurs have already lavished more than £200million on new signings, yet it is clear they still have work to do if they want to add more firepower to their frontline.

Brazilian forward Richarlison is among the players whose future is in doubt, but he made a timely case for his position within the squad by doubling Spurs’ advantage against Auckland FC.

Richarlison tapped home after good work from Mathys Tel down the left flank and was unlucky not to set up Tyrese Hall for a goal after winning the ball back and crossing into the six-yard box.

Spurs are going to need to sell if they want to add to their striking options this season, and both Richarlison and Scarlett could be on the chopping block as De Zerbi looks to add more goals to his side.

Archie Gray

Stand-in skipper: Archie Gray captained a youthful Tottenham team at Eden Park

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With De Zerbi opting to name a youthful starting lineup against Auckland FC, Archie Gray was given the captain’s armband.

The English midfielder is mature beyond his years, and will have learnt a great deal from a testing last couple of seasons in north London.

Gray has been played across a number of positions during his time at Spurs, but restored to the centre of midfield, he relished the opportunity and had a hand in both goals.

His deft in-swinging cross created the opportunity from which Scarlett broke the deadlock, finishing on the rebound after Manor Solomon’s shot was blocked.

His quick, incisive pass then set Tel free down the left for Richarlison’s second-half effort.

There had been some talk that Gray was assessing his options ahead of the new season, but that speculation seems to have disappeared, as it seems he has earned De Zerbi's trust.

Malachi Hardy

Staking his claim: Youngster Malachi Hardy has impressed in defence for Spurs

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Malachi Hardy is making a real name for himself during pre-season, following up a confident performance against MK Dons with another astute display as Auckland FC were kept largely at bay.

Granted, the opposition have not been of the highest calibre, but Spurs have still yet to concede a goal in pre-season, and part of that has been down to the ease with which Hardy has taken to his place in the side.

The 18-year-old has impressed with his composure on the ball and the timing of his defensive interventions.

De Zerbi has not placed a great emphasis on youth so far, instead opting for ready-made talent to immediately raise the level of the squad.

In Hardy, though, he has a young centre-back who is making a positive impression and doing all he can to stake a claim for further first-team involvement.