Mateus Fernandes could hardly have dreamed of a better start to life as a Tottenham Hotspur player.
The club’s £85 million summer signing wasted no time making an impression, scoring a sensational long-range volley just three minutes into his debut as Spurs edged League One side MK Dons 1-0 in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old midfielder produced a moment of brilliance that instantly excited Tottenham supporters and left teammates, coaches, and club legends full of praise.
Fernandes Delivers a Dream Debut
The decisive moment arrived early after MK Dons goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray punched away a Tottenham corner. The clearance dropped perfectly for Fernandes, who showed superb technique by striking a first-time volley from around 20 yards.
His effort crashed in off the post and into the top corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance and handing Spurs an early lead that proved to be the match winner.
After the game, Fernandes admitted it was the finest goal he has ever scored.
“It was my favourite goal of my career. By a mile,” Fernandes said.
The Portuguese midfielder also revealed he wants to become more confident shooting from distance.
“I need to do this more and more times, to shoot outside of the box. I know that I can do it. This just gives me confidence for the rest of the days.”
Bassong Compares Strike to Bale and Zidane
Former Tottenham defender Sebastian Bassong was among those left stunned by the spectacular finish.
Working on the club’s media coverage, Bassong compared Fernandes’ volley to some of football’s most memorable goals, including Gareth Bale’s famous strike against Stoke City and Zinedine Zidane’s iconic Champions League final volley for Real Madrid against Bayer Leverkusen.
Bassong praised not only the finish but also Fernandes’ composure and technique.
“What I’m impressed about is the balance, the quality, the connection, the fact that he’s keeps his eyes on the ball throughout the strike. He’s such a gifted player.”
Tonali Makes His First Spurs Appearance
Another major talking point was the debut of fellow summer signing Sandro Tonali.
The £100 million midfielder partnered Fernandes in the heart of Tottenham’s midfield, giving fans their first glimpse of a duo that cost the club a combined £185 million.
Although it was only a pre-season fixture against lower-league opposition, both midfielders controlled possession throughout the first half.
Tonali looked calm on the ball, dictated the tempo, and was frequently seen organizing and encouraging his new teammates with his experience.
Both players were substituted at halftime as head coach Roberto De Zerbi rotated his squad.
Dubravka Impresses Between the Posts
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka also enjoyed a solid first outing after arriving on a free transfer earlier this summer.
Replacing Antonin Kinsky at halftime, the experienced Slovakian had little work to do but produced an excellent reflex save to deny a close-range header, ensuring Tottenham preserved their clean sheet.
A New Era Taking Shape Under De Zerbi
Tottenham’s outlook has changed dramatically over the past few months.
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Spurs have responded with one of the biggest spending sprees in the Premier League, bringing in Fernandes and Tonali for a combined £185 million while appointing Roberto De Zerbi to lead the club into a new era.
Although Wednesday’s victory came against League One opposition, it offered encouraging signs of what the Italian manager is trying to build.
Fernandes’ spectacular debut goal, Tonali’s midfield authority, and Dubravka’s assured performance provided plenty of optimism ahead of a challenging new campaign.
What’s Next for Tottenham?
Tottenham now head to New Zealand as part of their pre-season tour.
Their next friendly comes against A-League side Auckland at Eden Park on Sunday, where supporters will get another opportunity to watch De Zerbi’s new-look squad continue its preparations for the upcoming Premier League season.
