Mathys Tel enjoyed another bright Tottenham display against West Ham United this past weekend - and this time some end product arrived - albeit in unexpected circumstances.
The Frenchman, 20, was one of players brought into Ange Postecoglou's starting XI after their Europa League semi-final victory against Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt. Unsurprisingly, after suffering injuries in that game, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison were absent with a mixed update provided on their conditions.
"No, it doesn't look great, but we're just waiting for further information," Postecoglou said of Maddison in a press conference. "We'll just wait and see. Hopefully, we'll probably get some clarity tomorrow.
"It's fair to say it doesn't look promising, but I'll just wait and see."
"Dom's improving," he continued. "We obviously left him out today, but the medical team are pretty confident he should be right for Thursday."
Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert and Tel therefore came into a new-look front four with the latter two players inadvertently combining for the opener at London Stadium. Good pressing from Tel, but poor defending by Max Kilman, saw Spurs win possession high up the pitch.
The Bayern Munich loannee tried to pick out Richarlison, but his pass was overhit. Initially, he reacted angrily and put his hands on his head - however, Odobert was waiting at the back post and he was able to calmly finish past Alphonse Areola.
Although Tel has scored three times for Tottenham already, that was his first assist and it was further evidence of the ability he undoubtedly possesses. Having been named on the bench for the Europa League semi-final first leg, Tel will be hoping for a start in the Arctic Circle.
Postecoglou hinted during his press conference that some of the displays from the weekend will come into his thinking for Thursday. The Tottenham boss was then asked specifically about Tel, to which he offered a glowing verdict.
"Yeah, we're asking some big jobs of him, playing on the left and then in the centre," he said.
"He's constantly learning. A lot of our guys, I know, will develop into top footballers. They have to go through this process of learning and adapting and understanding the demands of the Premier League and the demands of this football club.
"We've asked a lot of Matty since he's come in. He's pretty much played in every game at some point.
"He's taken in the information and he understands the role a little bit better, especially out on the left.
"Again, important for us. These last few weeks we've obviously had Sonny out. We've needed him to fill that void and I think he's done that job well." Given that Richarlison came off on 68 minutes, another start for Tel on the left seems likely if Solanke can be passed fit.
Tel will, therefore, be hoping to make an impact from the bench and help guide Spurs into a Europa League final - likely against Manchester United after their 3-0 in the first leg away at Athletic Club.