Mauricio Pochettino hailed Mousa Dembele after the Tottenham midfielder’s display in the 1-1 draw at Watford.
Dembele, who missed the early part of the season because of an ankle injury, played 90 minutes for the first time in almost two months.
He filled in at centre-back during the second half after Davinson Sanchez was sent off for elbowing Watford’s Richarlison in the face.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Spurs boss Pochettino said: “It was a fantastic performance and I’m happy. I think his fitness in last few weeks and way we handled the situation was important.
“We’re nearly all fit now – we still have Toby Alderweireld and Victor Wanyama out. It’s important to have all the team strong for the future.”
Pochettino’s side have struggled for form of late but he was encouraged by the way they battled spiritedly after being reduced to 10 men.
“I am so pleased because we deserved more in last three games,” said Pochettino. “The team showed they have unbelievable character and personality.
“Playing 40 minutes with 10 men, we were always thinking to go forward and win the game and we didn’t concede one chance in the second half. You can learn a lot from this type of situation.”