Tottenham launch their final preparations for the fast-approaching Premier League season today when they take on a Major League Soccer All-Stars side featuring former Spurs striker Robbie Keane in the US league’s mid-season exhibition.
“It’s going to be a tough game and that’s what we want,” 21-year-old striker Harry Kane said on Monday in Denver, where he and his teammates have been training since the weekend.
“It’s not long until the season starts, and we need to see what we need to work on,” Kane said. “It’ll be my first game of the pre-season, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Keane, a three-time MLS champion with the Los Angeles Galaxy, has received his third All-Star nod, but had to miss the 2013 and 2014 editions because of injury.
The Republic of Ireland great is especially eager to get his chance against the club he starred for in two spells between 2002 and 2011.
“The All Star game is a big occasion for the league and something you see over here in basketball, baseball and NFL,” Keane told tottenhamhotspur.com. “Every player in the MLS wants to be involved in this game. This is a special one for me because it’s against Tottenham, my club, the club where I felt I made my name and had a big impact... This is a big deal for me.”
Spanish forward David Villa of New York City FC, Brazilian Kaka of Orlando and former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard — the Galaxy’s latest high-profile acquisition — will all be available to MLS All-Star coach Pablo Mastroeni.
Gerrard was selected for the team, along with Frank Lampard as one of two commissioner’s picks by MLS commissioner Don Garber — before either had kicked a ball in league competition.
Gerrard has since made a solid debut for the Galaxy, while Lampard’s debut for NYCFC is on hold because of a nagging calf injury that will also see him miss today’s contest.
Another former Tottenham player, American Clint Dempsey, will be available for the hosts, the Seattle Sounders having just won top-scorer honors in the Gold Cup despite the US’ disappointing fourth-place finish in the North American regional tournament.
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