Mateus Fernandes is starting a bold argument after masterclass for Tottenham vs. Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur totally dominated Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, and even if the Eagles were not playing with 10 men for most of the match, their performance would have still been worthy of plaudits and a convincing victory. Spurs are now winners of three in a row, and while the finishing could still improve, the dominance on the ball and chance creation are only getting better and better under Roberto De Zerbi.
With back to back 2-0 wins over rivals Chelsea and Crystal Palace, it has become clear that Mateus Fernandes is indeed the gem he was advertised as being. Starting the season out of position and with minor fitness issues, Fernandes has finally earned De Zerbi's trust as a regular starter next to Sandro Tonali at the base of the midfield in his preferred position.
And now that he is playing the role that he was paid to do, the 85 million pound signing is showing why he was brought in as the other half of the puzzle to revamp the midfield. Fernandes was arguably the best player on the pitch for a second straight game, and it is no coincidence that Spurs totally dominated both Chelsea and Palace with Fernandes in the starting 11 next to Tonali.
Mateus Fernandes might be Spurs best player already
In addition to having four key passes to tie Mathys Tel for the team lead in terms of creative output, Fernandes also was the most impactful defensive player in terms of winning possession for his team, taking home a whopping five tackles to the Lilywhite good.
This dual ability to win the ball and create chances is incredibly unique and one of the most valuable things a midfielder can bring to the table. And the fact that Tottenham have a U23 player like this next to a midfield general in Sandro Tonali speaks volumes, and Fernandes is someone they can build around for the next decade as a pillar of their team.
The pass before the Jan Paul van Hecke goal to seal the match at 2-0 for Tottenham Hotspur was a microcosm of Fernandes's technical quality and precision of the pass. The way he weighted the cross was better than even veterans like Andy Robertson and others have done, and Fernandes is a defensive midfielder with the quality to cross on a dime better than a winger or a fullback.
Mateus Fernandes played so well these last two weeks in bringing Spurs up a level of dominance over Chelsea and Palace that you have to already wonder if he is, in fact, actually Spurs best overall player. it is a bold claim to make, but since playing in his best position, Fernandes has been Spurs best player, and a third game in a row like this, more people will be saying it.
