Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood was delighted with the debut of Nabil Bentaleb in victory at Southampton.
The French midfielder was a second-half substitute at St Mary's.
"He was excellent," Sherwood told the Spurs website. "I knew he wasn't going to be fazed, he's not that type.
"He trains every day as if it's the last day in the world, he wants to improve and he listens.
"He's a top player and ready to play. I knew he was ready. If I don't think they (the younger players) are ready, they won't even be on the bench.
"I was convinced he wasn't going to be fazed and give us a performance of energy and responsibility.
"At times, he was the one who took the sting out of the game, passed it back and to the side. I wouldn't hesitate (to play him)."
