Afterwards, Thomas spoke of Mathys’ progression in recent weeks. “I'm so happy,” he said. “I got emotional almost after the game because he's a young man who has a strong character and trains well every day.
“Even though he hasn’t played as much, and then I play him as a striker - crazy thoughts by the Head Coach, because maybe he’s better to the left, he can also play there, of course… he’s not involved in the Champions League squad, he just came back.
“The way he scored against West Ham was solid, good. But that’s one game, then the next one, Doncaster, better, arriving in the right areas, yes, he didn't score, but the first thing is to arrive and the link up play, work hard. Then the third game, get the goal, great finish, I know the little deflection, but it’s a great connection, arriving in the right areas, working hard. I’m just so happy, all the praise.”