Football is a game of moments. And few players this season have experienced such contrasting moments in a condensed period as Antonin Kinsky.
The sight of the 23-year-old trudging off after just 17 minutes following two monumental errors at Atletico Madrid in the Champions League in March was one of the low points in a Tottenham Hotspur season starved of highs.
Those sorts of high-profile mistakes have the potential to stick to a young goalkeeper like tar, totally derailing a fledgling career. However, in a stunning show of mettle, Kinsky has unexpectedly returned to the Tottenham lineup. And he looks intent on redeeming himself.
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The redemption
Guglielmo Vicario’s hernia operation unexpectedly thrust Kinsky back into the limelight against Sunderland in Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham debut.
There was understandably an air of nervousness regarding how he would handle the occasion, but Kinsky did well. The former Slavia Prague man made one save and couldn’t be blamed for Nordi Mukiele’s goal in the 1-0 defeat. He also made nine possession recoveries, one punch, and 25 successful passes.
Kinsky conceded twice against Brighton and Hove Albion but, once again, was at fault for neither goal. And a disappointing draw could’ve ended in an even worse result, were it not for his save to deny Danny Welbeck in the 35th minute.
But it was against Wolverhampton Wanderers where Kinsky really proved his worth. The Czech shot-stopper looked far more confident at Molineux, making two saves. His standout moment was undoubtedly a brave leap to keep out Joao Gomes’ 98th-minute free-kick. He collided with the post for his troubles, but the sacrifice was worth it. The save preserved Tottenham’s first league clean sheet since New Year’s Day and secured their first win since 28th December.
With West Ham United beating Everton, it was vital Spurs beat Wolves to stay alive in the relegation battle. Joao Palhinha found the breakthrough goal in the 82nd minute, but just how important could Kinsky’s save be at the final reckoning?
Can Antonin Kinsky become Spurs No.1?
Having been at rock bottom just over a month ago, it’s incredible to see momentum growing among Tottenham fans calling for Kinsky to be promoted to No.1, amid a tough season for Vicario.
While he didn’t go that far, De Zerbi did take a moment to give ‘deserved’ praise to his young goalkeeper, who has overcome so much to produce a vital performance in Spurs’ battle for survival.
“He deserves this day, because he played very well,” De Zerbi said.
“He was crucial for the result. He deserves everything because he’s a good guy, he’s a good keeper. Especially after Madrid, he deserves one day like today.”
In reality, Kinsky still has a long way to go to prove he can be Tottenham’s long-term goalkeeper. However, that starts with moments like this at Molineux. One that could prove to be the difference between survival and apocalypse in North London.