Mathys Tel is still trying to prove his critics wrong at Tottenham following a slow start to the new season
Tottenham forward Mathys Tel has still not managed to get going ever since he arrived at N17 from Bayern Munich. The Frenchman has struggled for regular game time under Thomas Frank, leading many fans to question whether signing the talented attacker on a permanent deal in the summer was the right decision. The 20-year-old has not yet adapted to Frank’s system, despite starting up front in recent games.
Tel was also left out of Tottenham’s Champions League squad for the league phase, which came as a bit of a surprise to many fans. The prolific attacker did not make the cut due to his lack of impact during the pre-season tour. However, credit where its due, the Frenchman has worked tirelessly since then to prove his critics wrong.
The 20-year-old’s hard work in training has left Thomas Frank impressed, with the Danish tactician opting to give him a chance to lead the line for Spurs in recent weeks. His first Premier League start came against Leeds United this season, and it is fair to say he grabbed that opportunity with both hands. He was one of the standout performers at Elland Road, capping off his impressive display with a goal to help the Lilywhites secure all three points.
Thomas Frank needs to reconsider Mathys Tel’s position at Tottenham
One of the major issues for Mathys Tel at Tottenham has been his inability to build on positive performances. This was evident when he failed to replicate his display against Leeds in the following week’s fixture against Aston Villa. This inconsistency might be addressed if Tel is allowed to play in his natural position on the left-flank instead of deployed up front in consecutive matches.
Echoing these thoughts, John Wenham has also urged Frank to reconsider shifting the Frenchman to the left-flank. Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham said,
“I certainly don’t see him as an out-and-out striker. So, I think off the left will become his best position. But at the minute, he’s seemingly battling for the opportunity to impress with Odobert for those minutes in the team. But unfortunately, for me, against Aston Villa, he didn’t do enough to say that he should be the one starting.”
Wenham believes Mathys Tel’s best position at Tottenham under Thomas Frank is on the left-flank. However, the Lilywhite Rose owner admits that Wilson Odobert might be ahead in the pecking order in the wide areas, which is why Frank is using Tel as a centre-forward. Wenham also concedes that the Frenchman has not done enough to warrant a start in recent games, and needs to step up if he wants to secure a place in the starting eleven under the ex-Brentford boss.
The 20-year-old is getting in the right areas while playing up front this season, but his inability to convert those chances has often let him down. Still, we can all agree that Tel should be utilised up front until Dominic Solanke recovers from his ankle injury. The Frenchman provides a different dynamic as compared to Richarlison, helping the Lilywhites break down stubborn defences easily.
Will Mathys Tel be able to turn his fortunes around at N17? Or is it fair to say that time is already running out for the Frenchman? Let us know in the comments below.
