Mateus Fernandes shone once again for Tottenham Hotspur, impressing despite playing only 33 minutes in the Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool.It was not to be for Tottenham Hotspur last time out in their clash against Liverpool at Anfield in round three of the Carabao Cup.Spurs were well beaten, with Andoni Iraola’s side coming away with a 3-1 win to send Tottenham crashing out of the tournament.That now leaves Spurs with just the FA Cup and Premier League to focus on for the rest of the season, given their absence from European competition as well.Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesMatues Fernandes the best‑rated Tottenham player in Liverpool clashWhile Tottenham were beaten, there were a couple of standout performances on display last night. Destiny Udogie was our highest‑rated Spurs player, after the full-back offered creativity from the flanks with his crosses. He could have walked away with two assists had his teammates brought their shooting boots.But he was not the only one to impress, with Mateus Fernandes also putting in a solid display from the bench.The £85 million‑rated midfielder, after his introduction, assisted Spurs’ only goal by putting the ball into a dangerous zone from a corner – one that Conor Gallagher headed home. The midfielder’s 33‑minute cameo off the bench was enough for FotMob to rate him Spurs’ best player on the pitch.Fernandes was given a 7.5 rating, and his underlying numbers prove why, as the midfielder managed:Accurate passes 33/35 (94%)Chances created 2Big chances created 1Defensive contributions 3Touches 43Passes into final third 5Ground duels won 3/4 (75%)Fernandes deserves more minutes under De ZerbiThis is not the only time Fernandes has put in a strong display for Tottenham this season since his move from West Ham United.Mateus FernandesTottenham – Premier League (2026 – 2027)Appearances4Average Rating6.67Passes145Key Passes5Pass Accuracy (%)96.00Tackles6Duels Won9Fouls Drawn1Stats correct as of 16 September 2026.Image credit: @thefrederikkejensen / InstagramIn the opening Premier League match against Brentford, the new signing came off the bench for Spurs and looked head and shoulders above the rest, as he brought control and creativity to the midfield.He has certainly shown that he has the quality to start more often than he has so far. De Zerbi seems to be looking for the right balance in midfield, but it is pretty clear that Fernandes deserves a spot in the middle of the park for Spurs.READ MORE: Tottenham duo blasted for just ‘standing around’ for pivotal Liverpool goalThe post Five crazy Mateus Fernandes stats show why Tottenham must use him as a pivot appeared first on Spurs Web.