Ange Postecoglou praised Harry Kane’s stand-in Richarlison, who endured a frustrating night in front of goal in Tottenham's 4-2 defeat to Barcelona on Tuesday.
The Premier League outfit fell to late strikes from Ansu Fati and Abde Ezzalzouli in their final pre-season fixture despite two goals from Oliver Skipp.
But it was Richarlison, who deputised for the in-demand Kane, who drew the most attention after a poor display. Still, Postecoglou was quick to defend the Brazilian and revealed that rustiness from injury may be to blame for his performance.