Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Christian Eriksen's form should be allowed to fluctuate throughout the season as he continues to develop.
The 23-year-old midfielder produced a s superb display and scored two goals to help Spurs see off Sunderland courtesy of a 4-1 scoreline at White Hart Lane this afternoon.
The brace, one of which arrived courtesy of a generous deflection off of defender Jan Kirchhoff, doubled the Danish midfielder's goal tally for the entire season.
Although Eriksen has become an influential figure at Spurs since he joined the club from Ajax two years ago he has struggled for consistency this term.
But Pochettino is adamant the midfielder should be allowed to endure dips in form as he is still a young player: "It was very important that he scored today.
"He is very talented; one of the best players we have," he told Sky Sports.
"But we need to understand that he is still very young, only 23.
"We need to give him some time and the opportunity to have ups and downs in different periods during his career, and during the season."
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The Argentine coach singled Eriksen out for individual praise but also spoke of his delight at the entire squad's response to their midweek defeat to Leicester.
"I am very pleased for him. He and the squad are very happy, and they are very happy for him. It was a good afternoon for him and for all the squad.
"All the players want to score and help the team to achieve things, and I think our mentality is strong in this way."
