‘He can become a great player for us’ – De Zerbi backs Tel after great reaction to costly Tottenham v Leeds error | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel netted a stunning opener against Leeds United, 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 managed to guarantee their stay in the Premier League for next year after a tempestuous season.

Tel has taken a lot of stick from Tottenham fans for his mistake, but manager Roberto De Zerbi came out to defend the young attacker, praising his reaction to the incident.

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.”

Tottenham have two games, and securing a point in either of them all but guarantees they will be 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.

Yet 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.