Thomas Frank on Mathys Tel: “I got emotional almost after the game” | OneFootball

“I think Mathys has progressed from the first start against West Ham to Doncaster to now and I think he’s what we need for the game today...”

The words of Thomas Frank an hour before kick-off against Leeds United on Saturday - and how he was proved right as the young forward delivered his first goal of the season, and therefore his first under Thomas’s leadership, in our 2-1 victory in the Premier League at Elland Road.

Starting up front after a couple of 90-minute shifts from Richarlison, Mathys showed all his qualities to latch onto Mo Kudus’ pass in the right channel, drive to the penalty area and unleash a shot that flicked off defender Pascal Struijk and home. It wasn’t long before his spring took him above Struijk to meet Wilson Odobert’s cross, only to see his header come back off the crossbar.

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.”

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