Tottenham summer target Paulo Dybala posts one-word message on IG after pre-season meeting

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Paulo Dybala posted the world ‘loading’ on his Instagram after coming up against Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

For years and years, the South American superstar has been on the transfer radar for Spurs, as some of their fans finally got to see him up close and personal, but this time in AS Roma colours.

Jose Mourinho’s side recorded a 1-0 win over Tottenham, in what was the trophy-laden coach’s first encounter with the club after they sacked him one week before the League Cup final.

Nonetheless, for a friendly encounter, it was a hotly-contested game, as Roger Ibanez scored the only goal of the game for the Europa League Conference champions.

It ended Tottenham’s pre-season with defeat, but overall, it has been a progressive summer of preparations for the Champions League side.

Nonetheless, Dybala wasn’t the only one reacting on his IG after the game, with former Manchester United defender, Chris Smalling, also posting a message.

NOW THE REAL TEST BEGINS…

As Tottenham did many years ago under Juande Ramos, you can win every pre-season game, blitz teams up and down the land, but all that matters is what happens in that first game.

Spurs proceeded to sit bottom of the table after a number of games after an outstanding pre-season during that time, so there will be a lot of pressure when Southampton come to town.

In truth, Conte and his players, even if a few of their first-team stars were missing, should still see off Southampton because they are prone to selling off their best players and replacing them with upcoming talent – there is a gulf in quality within both squads.

The first real test for Tottenham will be their trip to Stamford Bridge – their first away encounter of the season – and whether they can upset the odds at a ground where their record is pretty abject.

Given the wave, Conte and his players are riding, and the question marks about Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea side, then this is a great chance for them to lay down a real marker and statement of intent.