The star grabbed the headlines in Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United at home.
Tottenham Hotspur dropped two crucial points against Leeds United last week, failing to guarantee their Premier League status in the process.
It was a highly entertaining contest, and Mathys Tel became the centre of attraction in N17. After a goalless 45 minutes, the 21-year-old gave his team the lead against Leeds United. Having brilliantly controlled a clearance from a corner kick, the Frenchman netted a stunning goal from the edge of the box.
Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow stretched to his fullest to stop it, but that was the power and precision of Mathys Tel’s shot. 20 minutes later, he went from hero to zero in front of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful. The forward knocked out an onrushing Ethan Ampadu in the box with an out-of-control kick, thereby giving away a penalty. Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the resultant penalty to equalise for the visitors, and eventually the game ended 1-1.
Roberto De Zerbi opens up on Mathys Tel’s reaction in training after his Leeds mistake
After the Leeds game, De Zerbi revealed that Tel had apologised to his teammates in the dressing room after his mistake that led to Leeds’ equaliser. The Tottenham boss encouraged the forward to overcome, claiming that “mistakes can happen to a young player”.
Having had a week to prepare for the Chelsea showdown at Stamford Bridge, De Zerbi was asked in his pre-match press conference about Tel’s reaction in training pitches. To which, the Italian tactician responded (h/t Football London):
“Great reaction. Very mature guy, maybe more so outside the pitch than on it because he hasn’t played that many games. He’s a lovely guy, strong character, and in the future, he can play better and better and become a great player for us.”
Tel has a chance to redeem himself vs. Chelsea
Tel has taken a lot of stick from Tottenham fans for his mistake that led to dropped points against Leeds. Given he is so young and has been one of the team’s best players under De Zerbi, our fans need to cut Tel some slack.
Before conceding a penalty against Daniel Farke’s side, the France under-21 international had solid outings against Aston Villa and Wolves. It was his inch-perfect delivery from the right flank that was buried home by Richarlison against Villa. Not to forget, it was his brilliant goal that had given Tottenham the lead last Monday.
Young attackers will make mistakes, especially in chaotic environments and struggling sides, where every mistake is puffed up. What matters is how Tel has responded, and going by De Zerbi’s words, he certainly has shown character and mental fortitude. The game against Chelsea gives Tel a great opportunity to redeem himself and give our fans a reason to sing his name proudly at Stamford Bridge.