Roberto Soldado

Roberto Soldado became the 74th player to score a debut goal in a competitive game for Spurs.

He showed intelligent movement and created opportunities for himself which augers well for the future, it's something the side have been lacking up front. His 50th-minute penalty means he has now scored 11 in his last nine games in league football, scoring 10 in his last eight La Liga games for Valencia.

Roberto Soldado scores on his debut

The two penalties he has taken have showed what a cool customer he is in front of goal. He moves to the ball with a hesitation whilst watching the keeper. Not for him a head down look at the ball and a last minute peek at the keeper, he knows where the ball is. The penalties this week where all predictable, they all went to the players favourite area, which is exactly what a keeper would expect first game of the season. It was no surprise that Benteke and Walters had one saved.
With a striker showing a good touch and intelligent movement the next step is to improve the quality of the balls into the box from our midfielders. With new players and more to come this will be addressed soon, The other pleasing aspect of Soldado's play was to see him attack the six yard box. This left room for advancing midfielders to exploit instead of having Jermain Defoe hold back and take the space around the penalty spot.

With a striker attacking the 6 yard box a defender has to go with him which creates space and a potential opportunity for someone else. This is how Frank Lampard is able to score 20 goals a season every season for Chelsea.

Soldado is adding more than just goals to Tottenham, he put a chance on a plate for Sigurdsson who unfortunately couldn't even hit the target. He will be a joy to watch this season and I'm looking forward to seeing the midfield grabbing their share of strikes as a result of his movement.

SPURS Premier League Debut Goalscorers
05.12.92 Sol Campbell
05.02.94 Ronny Rosenthal
20.08.94 Jurgen Klinsmann
29.09.01 Dean Richards
23.08.03 Frederic Kanoute
19.10.03 Mbulelo Mabizela
07.02.04 Jermain Defoe
05.02.05 Mido (2)
09.03.08 Gilberto
16.08.09 Sebastien Bassong
14.04.10 Danny Rose
10.09.11 Emannuel Adebayor
01.09.12 Mousa Dembele
18.08.13 Roberto Soldado (pen)

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