So strong is Roberto De Zerbi’s belief in Mateus Fernandes that, during the summer, the Tottenham manager would call the player’s parents every day to convince them that Spurs was the right destination for their son.

Fernandes was at a crucial juncture in his career as he weighed his options at the end of last season following West Ham's relegation to the Championship.

Technical and tenacious, Fernandes’ ability has never been in doubt. However, after successive relegations with Southampton and West Ham, it was unclear how the Portuguese midfielder would handle the change in expectations and responsibility as Spurs and Manchester United came calling.

De Zerbi knew this would concern Fernandes and his parents. The next move could not end in disaster, as it had at his previous two clubs, so De Zerbi had a challenge to persuade them that Spurs were moving in the right direction despite avoiding relegation on the final day of last season.

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The main part of De Zerbi’s pitch was to build a connection. He wanted to protect Fernandes - from the £85milllion price tag, from growing expectations, from increased scrutiny - rather than sell him a dream only to leave him hung out to dry when Spurs’ project inevitably suffered teething problems.

It is why Fernandes, who has started just 50 per cent of Spurs’ league games this season, has had to be patient for opportunities.

De Zerbi is convinced of his qualities but knows Fernandes is still adapting to the habits and pressure of playing for one of the traditional Premier League heavyweights.

Fernandes has so far been shielded from Spurs’ stuttering start to the season, but with injuries and suspensions in midfield, De Zerbi had little choice but to start him away to Chelsea last weekend.

A trip to Stamford Bridge, where Spurs had not won in eight years, on just your fourth league start for the club would be considered by many a belated baptism of fire.

Fernandes, though, stood up to the task with a man-of-the-match performance on a historic evening for Spurs as they secured just their second win in 42 attempts at Stamford Bridge.

Alongside fellow summer signing, and £100m man, Sandro Tonali, Fernandes dominated the midfield as Spurs dictated from start to finish before striking late through a Mike Penders own goal and a fine solo effort from Mathys Tel.

Fernandes controlled the pace and rhythm, establishing order amidst dismal conditions as he combined short, sharp first-time passes with sweeping switches of play.

Sandro Tonali

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No player took more touches or completed more passes than the 22-year-old, and he was complemented superbly by Tonali’s physically robust performance. The Italian covered more ground than any other player.

Between them, Fernandes and Tonali completed nine tackles and were dribbled past just once. Even after being muscled off the ball by Pedro Neto in the first half, Fernandes was continuously willing to seek out possession and get Spurs playing through Chelsea’s press.

While Chelsea stretched and strained for a foothold in the game, Fernandes’ every touch was considered and constructive. Whether playing through the lines, into the final third or just keeping possession ticking over, Fernandes bought himself time to assess his options through smart movement and anticipation.

There was even a lesser-seen devilish side to Fernandes’ game as he swiped the ball away from Cole Palmer with his hand, drawing the Chelsea midfielder into committing a foul that would later contribute to his red card.

De Zerbi was delighted with Fernandes’ performance, praising his “quality” and “personality” as Spurs’ youngsters came of age on a momentous evening in west London.

“Mateus Fernandes played 90 minutes with a big, big quality,” he said. “I want to see Mateus Fernandes with personality. I want to see Fernandes enjoy with the ball. Even if he can make a mistake, it doesn't matter. It's not a problem, a mistake. But I want to see this personality from my team.”

Spurs’ performance against Chelsea is the sort of titanic display that projects are built on, and Fernandes showed that despite a slow start to life at the club, he has the poise and ability to be front and centre of De Zerbi’s efforts to get Spurs challenging for major honours again.