Fitness key - Nabil

Nabil Bentaleb has underlined the importance of fitness to compete in the midfield cauldron of the Premier League.

The 21-year-old is fully immersed into his pre-season work after returning to Hotspur Way on July 6.

Nabil played 38 times in all competitions last season and spent January representing Algeria at the African Cup of Nations.

His central midfield partnership with Ryan Mason blossomed as the season progressed and the pair’s high-energy performances caught the eye.

Below: Nabil fires home in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Southend

As Nabil explained, fitness is key. “When you get tired, especially later on in matches, you need to stay focused and your technical game still has to be as good as it was in the first minute.

“You make more mistakes when you are tired, perhaps you’ll lose a little focus and that’s what drives you to be as fit as you can be. You have to be switched on all the time in this league.

“That’s why pre-season work is so important and we’re all working as hard as we can to be as fit as we can. It’s been really good, tough as well, but we know that’s all part of pre-season.”