Former Tottenham defender Eric Dier admitted only his own belief meant that he came through tough months this season.
Dier was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Ange Postecoglou in the summer.
After months of not playing, he earned a seemingly unlikely move to Bayern Munich in the winter.
On finding his best form again, Dier said: “Obviously, after the first six months of the season, to be playing in a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid is something I am very proud of.
“I always believed in myself and always believed I should be playing at this level and yes, I kept a bit of blind faith in the first six months of the season and I am proud of the way I carried myself in those six months and that is what has enabled me to be in this position now.
“Yes, I would like to think I have shown my mental strength. I had a tough six months but, yes, I believe in my mental strength."
