SerpApi.Org
"It was my favourite goal of my career by a mile."
Those are the words of Tottenham's summer signing Mateus Fernandes after scoring inside three minutes of his club debut in a behind-closed-doors friendly against League One side MK Dons.
The £85m signing from West Ham United hit a first-time volley into the top corner via the post from 20 yards out to score the only goal in Wednesday's pre-season opener.
"I need to do this more and more times, to shoot outside of the box. I know that I can do it," Fernandes said.
"This just gives me the confidence for the rest of the days [of pre-season]."
Former Tottenham defender Sebastian Bassong was impressed by the central midfielder's goal, comparing the strike to Zinedine Zidane's famous volley against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.
"What I'm impressed with is the balance, the quality, the connection, the fact that he is looking at the ball - he doesn't lose sight of it," Bassong told club media.
"He is such a gifted player."
As it was Tottenham's first pre-season fixture, head coach Roberto de Zerbi made 10 changes for the second half to get minutes in the tank.
Partnering Fernandes in a midfield double pivot was £100m signing Sandro Tonali, making his first run-out since joining from Newcastle United.
Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka also made his debut after being released by Burnley, coming on at the break for Antonin Kinsky.
Ben Davies, who has been sidelined with injury since January, featured, as did a number of players who spent last season out on loan.
Tottenham will now travel to New Zealand for their pre-season tour, where they will take on A-League side Auckland in a friendly on Sunday (04:00 BST).
