Sun 04 November 2018, 09:14
Tottenham HotspurMauricio Pochettino led the praise for Juan Foyth after a fine Premier League debut was blighted by giving away two penalties in our 3-2 win at Wolves.
Juan, 20, lined-up alongside Toby Alderweireld for the tricky trip to Molineux.
Outstanding in his first appearance of the campaign in the 3-1 win at West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, Juan was again calmness personified as we marched into a 3-0 lead just after the hour with goals from Erik Lamela, Lucas Moura and Harry Kane.
Wolves showed their resolve by forcing Hugo Lloris into three fine saves at the start of the second half and the game changed on 68 minutes when Juan was judged to have tripped Raul Jimenez in the box. Ruben Neves converted the penalty.
Ten minutes later, Juan tussled with Jonny Otto, the pair tumbled over and referee Mike Deam pointed to the spot again. This time Jimenez slotted home the penalty for 3-2.
Wolves piled on the pressure but we kept them at bay to secure the sixth win out of seven on our travels in the Premier League so far this term and move back up to fourth in the table.
It was pointed out afterwards that Juan's debut shouldn't just be remembered for the penalties...
I know how he’s feeling because I was in his position 15, 20 years ago and sometimes I was involved in the same situations
Mauricio responded: "I am so happy with his performance, he was very good but you can be involved because we suffered a lot of attempts at our goal. That sometimes happens as a centre-back.
"I know how he’s feeling because I was in his position 15, 20 years ago and sometimes I was involved in the same situations. He was always focused on the game and I think it was a fantastic performance."
People may talk about these (penalty) actions but for me, he was one of the best players on the pitch
Skipper Hugo felt Juan was unlucky with the penalty decisions. He said: "I think he played fantastically. Every time he’s had the chance to show his quality, he's done it well. He did it three days ago against West Ham and again today.
"He was a bit unlucky. He’s an honest player, always tries to win challenges and a young player who will learn about those situations. People may talk about these actions but for me, he was one of the best players on the pitch."
I told him ‘Juan, relax, you did amazing’... for me, he had an amazing game
Juan's fellow Argentine and goalscorer Erik added: "He was a bit angry because but I told him ‘Juan, relax, you did amazing’. For me, he had an amazing game.
"It’s so difficult when you haven’t played for a long time and he’s played two games in three days. I’m so happy for him because he’s starting to show his quality and I told him, for me, tonight he was amazing. The penalties... sometimes the defenders are there and have to defend and he was unlucky."
