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Tom Clark

Ryan Mason's attacking emphasis and one man absent - Five things spotted in Tottenham training

Tottenham Hotspur take on Leeds United on Saturday at 12:30pm BST with Spurs looking to take the opportunity to move into fifth place and close the gap to the top-four.

Chelsea currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League spot and Ryan mason's team can close that gap to just two points with a win at Elland Road.

Thomas Tuchel's team are not in action until 17:30 on Saturday and Spurs can pile the pressure on the Blues ahead of their trip to champions-elect Manchester City.

Spurs have been in training for their clash with Leeds and here are five things we spotted from their training session.

Attacking intent

Mason started the Tottenham training exercise off with an explanation of what he wanted from the players with an emphasis on attacking football.

The interim manager stressed to the players they were "not going to go forward and then come back" but would play at pace and "just run."

The instructions from Mason to the players were to score within six seconds using "underlaps or overlaps," but to always keep the ball moving forwards.

The midfield players such as Harry Winks were provided with the ball and then told to get the team moving forward through runners such as Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura.

Steven Bergwijn on fire

The standout performer in the training exercise was without doubt Bergwijn. The Dutchman ran at the defence with electric pace, showed his finishing technique with both feet, smashing home a right-footed and a left-footed effort.

Bergwijn's pace saw him tear past the defenders and assist Moura for his own goal as well.

The 23-year-old made an instant impact for Spurs last year when he scored a fantastic half-volley against Manchester City on his debut but has fallen down the pecking order this season.

Bergwijn has only started 18 matches across all competitions for Tottenham this campaign and has seen just 23 minutes of action during Mason's three games in charge.

An energetic and skilful performance in training will have done his chances of more game time no harm at all.

Erik Lamela's right foot

Erik Lamela's rabona goal against Arsenal will live long in the memory but was also a reminder of how much the Argentine prefers to use his left foot.

Lamela is a very one-footed player, even if that foot is extremely skilful, so it was quite a surprise to see the attacking-midfielder shooting with his right foot.

Harry Kane played Lamela in and the 29-year-old, hit a hard low shot on goal, keeper Joe Hart got down well to save but could do nothing about Giovani Lo Celso tapping home the rebound.

Happy faces and hugs

The atmosphere at Tottenham Hotspur Way seemed to be a positive one with smiles and encouragement all round. Matt Doherty drew an audible 'oooh' from Son Heung-min after a little piece of skill and Bergwijn was cheered on after his finishes.

Eric Dier could be seen hugging and chatting with Japhet Tanganga offering what looked like words of advice as he had his arm around the young defender's shoulder.

One man absent

The full first-team squad were present for training on Thursday ahead of the weekend's visit to Elland Road to take on Leeds with one exception. Ben Davies was not spotted on the training field and it has been six weeks since the Welshman was last in action.

Mason confirmed last week ahead of the match with Sheffield United that Davies was still on the sidelines and it seems as though the 28-year-old remains an injury worry for Spurs.

Davies last involvement for Spurs was during the 2-0 away victory against Aston Villa on March, 21, with the left-back coming on as a second-half substitute.

Since then an issue with his shin has kept the defender out of action with Spanish international Serio Reguilon making the position his own.

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