Despite Defeat to it team, Dutch press rave about two Tottenham stars; ‘the evening belonged’ to one ‘wonderful’ Spurs player
The Europa League clash between Tottenham Hotspur and AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night was marked by the performances of two players from opposite ends of the career spectrum. Spurs triumphed 1-0 in a hard-fought match, with Fraser Forster’s experience and 17-year-old Mikey Moore’s youthful dynamism playing pivotal roles.
Forster, a veteran of the game with close to 500 career appearances, demonstrated his skill and resilience, proving why he remains a key figure in Tottenham’s lineup. The former Celtic and Southampton goalkeeper came up with a crucial save in the second half, outmaneuvering AZ’s substitute Mayckel Lahdo in a one-on-one situation. His composure and positioning ensured that Richarlison’s 53rd-minute penalty remained the deciding goal, frustrating AZ and denying them any chance of a comeback.
After the game, AZ head coach Maarten Martens expressed disappointment, lamenting his team’s missed opportunities. “We had plenty of chances to make a difference, but we couldn’t capitalize,” he sighed. “In matches like these, a few percent more is what it takes to find the net. We came close multiple times but couldn’t convert. At the back, we gave away a penalty—a tough lesson for us.”
Dutch media outlets lauded Forster’s performance, with De Stentor calling his save against Pinetra “beautiful” and Volkskrant awarding him Man of the Match honors. His reflexes and ability to read the game appeared undiminished despite his age, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in European football.
While Forster held down the fort at one end, young Mikey Moore electrified fans at the other. The 17-year-old showcased his flair and dribbling skills, evoking comparisons to Brazilian star Neymar with his lively runs down the left flank. James Maddison even humorously suggested that Moore was putting on his best Neymar impression. Tottenham legend Glenn Hoddle also praised Moore’s fearless display, noting the energy and unpredictability he brought to an otherwise tense and low-scoring game.
Moore’s remarkable showing caught the eye of the Dutch press, with Volkskrant describing him as a “wonderful dribbler” who gave AZ defenders no respite. He was quick on his feet, with an ability to weave past opponents that made him a constant threat. Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham’s head coach, shared high praise for the young winger in his post-match comments, noting that Moore’s versatility allows him to contribute from both wings but highlighting that he’s most dangerous on the left side, where he can cut inside and exploit gaps in the opposition’s defense.
“He missed a few headers that could have put the game to bed, but that’s part of his development,” Postecoglou said of Moore’s performance. “He has a great mentality—if a move doesn’t work, he doesn’t get discouraged and keeps pushing forward.”
In previous Europa League outings, Moore had shined from the right, as seen in Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Ferencvaros. However, Postecoglou sees even greater potential for him on the left, where he can bring his full skill set to bear against defenders. “He’s not yet the finished product,” Postecoglou admitted, “but he’s got a mature outlook and a natural drive to improve. Whether he’s on the left or the right, he makes an impact.”
Ultimately, it was a night that showcased both the value of experience and the promise of youth. Forster’s steadiness and Moore’s spark were exactly what Tottenham needed to edge out a determined AZ Alkmaar side, leaving fans and media alike excited about the blend of seasoned reliability and budding talent in this Spurs squad.