Mathys Tel has done enough to prove his worth at Tottenham this season despite limited game-time.
Tottenham forward Mathys Tel has endured a stop-start campaign under Thomas Frank this season. The Frenchman has not made a strong start to life at N17 following his permanent move from Bayern Munich in the summer. He has struggled to secure a consistent place in the starting eleven, eventually falling down the pecking order before finally getting an opportunity to impress the Danish tactician.
To everyone’s surprise, Frank opted to leave Tel out of Tottenham’s Champions League squad for the first half of the campaign. Playing in Europe’s premier competition was one of the main reasons the 20-year-old joined the North Londoners in the first place. His absence from the squad came as a shock to many, leading to questions about the club’s planning, especially considering he was signed permanently in the summer.
However, credit must be given where it’s due. Tel has continued to work hard and make an impact in the limited minutes he has been handed this season. The youngster was met with loud boos upon coming on in the second half of the recent clash against Manchester United, only to silence his critics four minutes later by scoring the equaliser. He later insisted he would keep working hard and prove his worth at N17 as the season progresses.
Thomas Frank admits ‘Mathys Tel’ mistake following UCL exclusion this season
Tottenham’s ongoing injury crisis has not helped Thomas Frank when it comes to selecting his Champions League squad. The Lilywhites have lacked attacking depth, and Tel’s exclusion has made the situation even more challenging. With Dominic Solanke still recovering from his ankle injury, the North Londoners have significantly missed Tel’s presence in Europe this season.
When asked if he had any regrets about leaving the 20-year-old out of his Champions League squad for the first half of the season, Frank gave a direct answer. The Danish manager said in his pre-match press conference (via Football.London):
“Ah of course if I knew back then what I know now I maybe would have changed the decision, no doubt about that. Of course, it is something we can have into consideration if you can change one player, what is the timing and when is the other player back?”
The Spurs boss added:
“It is also a decision in terms of some of the long-term injuries, when can they be back? And we also need players fit and available so we have enough players to shoot with from the bench.”
Thomas Frank admits he would not have made the same decision regarding Tel had he known how valuable the Frenchman would become. But he has left the door open for the 20-year-old to be included in the Champions League squad for the knockout stages, provided the Lilywhites qualify in the coming weeks. Frank believes strong squad depth is essential for the second half of the campaign, making Tel’s inclusion a realistic possibility.
Mathys Tel clearly offers far more than Richarlison in the final third. The Frenchman can glide past defenders, create chances for himself, and link midfield to attack with ease. His ability to play anywhere across the frontline makes him an excellent rotational option for the remainder of the campaign.
But will Thomas Frank include him in the Champions League squad moving forward? Only time will tell. The 20-year-old has certainly done more than enough to prove his worth at N17 this season. It would only be fair for him to get the opportunity to make his mark under Frank as the season continues.
