Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel netted a stunning opener against Leeds United last week, but went from hero to zero as he gave away the penalty that led to the equaliser.
Spurs dropped two key points and still haven’t guaranteed their stay in the Premier League after a tempestuous season.
Tel received plenty of stick from Tottenham fans for his mistake, but manager Roberto De Zerbi has defended him.
The Spurs boss said (via football.london): “Great reaction. Very mature guy – maybe more so outside the pitch than on it because he hasn’t played that many games.
“He’s a lovely guy, strong character, and in the future he can play better and better and become a great player for us.”
Spurs fans need to be more patient
Tottenham have two games remaining, and securing a point in either of them will all but guarantee they are in the Premier League. Spurs fans need to cut Tel some slack.
The 21-year-old has been thrown into a chaotic Tottenham environment where managers, systems and confidence levels have constantly shifted.
However, every time it looks like he might fade into the background, he responds.
Before his costly penalty, Tel had just scored and assisted against Aston Villa to drag Spurs to a desperately needed victory.
That is not the output of a player hiding from responsibility.
Young attackers will make mistakes, especially in struggling teams where every error is magnified.
What matters is the reaction, and Tel has repeatedly shown character when many senior players around him have disappeared.
De Zerbi’s defence of the Frenchman speaks volumes about how he is viewed internally.
Tottenham still have huge games ahead, and Tel has already shown he can produce decisive moments under pressure.
Spurs supporters should back him because he could yet play a major role in keeping this season from completely unravelling.