“From dream to nightmare to dream again.”
That was the fitting message from Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky after his error-strewn performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in March. Once guilty of crumbling in a feral Wanda Metropolitano din, he is now his club’s unlikely hero.
He had made his first appearance since October in Madrid after being surprisingly thrust into the firing line by Igor Tudor, but after only six minutes, a costly slip allowed Atletico to take the lead. Then, less than 10 minutes later, another mistake gifted away the second goal.
For the first time in his 15-year coaching career, Tudor did what he had never done before and hooked his goalkeeper just 17 minutes in. Dejected supporters in the away end might have believed there was no way back for the 23-year-old. How wrong they were.
With Tottenham now on the brink of Premier League safety under Roberto De Zerbi, Kinsky is set to play a crucial role again when Spurs take on Leeds United on Monday.
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Antonin Kinsky: from zero to hero at Tottenham
His redemption arc was complete after a breathtaking save secured all three points against Wolves, Spurs’ first top-flight victory of 2026. With 98 minutes on the clock, Joao Gomes’ bending free-kick looked set to nestle into the top corner, only for Kinsky to claw it away.
All of a sudden, he resembled the assured shot stopper De Zerbi would have been crying out for. Between the sticks has been a problem position all season, with significant question marks dogging both Guglielmo Vicario and Kinsky. In the latter, he has found a solution.
It should not be forgotten, though, that goalkeepers must do so much more than keep clean sheets under the Italian. He believes all 11 players are essential in carrying out his style. His stoppers must get on the ball to draw pressure before starting the build-up from the back.
Shortly after taking charge at Brighton, he dropped Robert Sanchez, believing Jason Steele was better in possession. Steele, despite never having played a minute of Premier League football, went on to help the club qualify for the Europa League.
Bart Verbruggen’s arrival at the Amex didn’t hasten a change, with De Zerbi allowing his new signing plenty of time to get up to speed with his demanding methods.
While Spurs are not quite playing the fluid, possession-based football their new head coach is renowned for, there has been a newfound focus on ball retention. Kinsky has looked totally at ease, a pleasant surprise considering his lack of minutes since joining in January 2025.
When he has played for Spurs, he has been confident on the ball, bordering on brash. It was one of the primary reasons behind the club’s decision to splash £12.5million on the relatively unknown stopper from Slavia Prague, with Johan Lange taking a lead in talks.
Clearly, his mistakes at Atletico were the exception and not the rule. De Zerbi has been able to get the best out of him, and in return, Kinsky, equipped with a good passing range, has offered Spurs options over short, medium and long distances, as shown at Aston Villa.
That was one of his four Premier League starts this season. In those appearances, he has conceded an average of one goal per game, while making one save per 90 minutes. His save percentage stands at 50 per cent, totalling four, including three from inside the penalty area.
His prowess in possession is showcased by his 84 per cent pass completion, which rises to 95 per cent inside his own half. He also averages two clearances per game.
These are relatively steady numbers that De Zerbi can build on.
What next for Guglielmo Vicario?
Vicario, on the other hand, is almost certain to move on at the end of the season.
It has been reported that Inter Milan have already agreed personal terms with the 29-year-old, who now looks set to bring an end to his three-year stay in North London. He is open to returning to his native Italy after coming under fire for a string of costly errors this campaign.
But while the Italian has failed to dig himself out of the hole, Kinsky has refused to be beaten into the ground. He has experienced his fair share of criticism, but has instead risen above it.
This week, Kinsky admitted he now feels “stronger” for his horrific experience at the Wanda Metropolitano. That has certainly shone through in his recent performances.
For that, he deserves credit.
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