De Gea makes surprising statement about Champions League's 'worst' goalkeeper

David de Gea offered support to Antonin Kinsky after Tottenham's keeper was forced off the field only 17 minutes after his Champions League debut began.

As Tottenham endured a dismal run of form, manager Igor Tudor decided to drop goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who was performing poorly, from the starting lineup for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 match against Atletico Madrid in Spain. This was considered a major decision at the current moment.

Instead, the Croatian strategist gave backup goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky a chance, who hadn't played for Tottenham since last October when the team lost 0-2 to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup.

Unfortunately for the Czech goalkeeper, Tudor's decision to give him the opportunity almost backfired immediately as Kinsky made several mistakes early in the match, allowing Atletico to quickly lead by three goals.

Indeed, shortly after Julian Alvarez made it 3-0 in the 15th minute, the 2003-born goalkeeper was substituted to bring Vicario onto the field.

As reactions to his nightmare performance spread across social media, former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea sent encouraging words to the 23-year-old player.

On social media X, he wrote: “No one who hasn't played as a goalkeeper can understand how difficult it is to perform in this position. Keep your head up, you will have another chance to prove yourself.”

De Gea received much praise for his supportive gesture towards Kinsky.

One fan wrote: “He understands it better than any goalkeeper. De Gea was criticized by media and fans for years but still kept his head up and saved the team many times. Only the best can do that.”

Another said: “This is the toughest position on the pitch,” and a third commented: “Substituting the goalkeeper in this situation is a psychological shock. At least let him finish the match, Spurs were unlikely to turn things around anyway.”

Another wrote: “Absolutely right, David. This is an extremely harsh position, especially in matches like this. Much respect to Kinsky for stepping up to play. Keep your head up, young man. You will come back stronger.”

Another also remarked: “Very true.”

In the match, goals from Marcos Llorente, Antoine Griezmann, Julian Alvarez, and Robin Le Normand helped the home team lead 4-0 within just 22 minutes.

Tottenham pulled one back thanks to Pedro Porro, but Atletico quickly restored the four-goal margin just 10 minutes after the second half began, when Alvarez completed his double.

Dominic Solanke scored a consolation goal in the 76th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-5, but ultimately this was another forgettable result for the "Spurs." The London representative will need a miracle in the return leg to squeeze through the "narrow gap."