Mathys Tel leads the Premier League in successful dribbles but faces growing pressure to improve his end product.
Tottenham Hotspur winger Mathys Tel has completed more dribbles than any other player in the Premier League so far this season. According to official tracking data published by WhoScored on X, the 21-year-old French international has logged 10 successful take-ons across Spurs’ opening three matches, leading the English top flight in direct individual ball progression.
While Tel’s ability to beat defenders in 1v1 situations remains a bright spot in isolation, his overall performances this season have been notably poor. Despite frequently isolating full-backs on the left wing, Tel has struggled significantly with his final-third execution, decision-making, and distribution. His high volume of successful dribbles has rarely translated into tangible goalscoring opportunities, key passes, or shots on target, contributing heavily to Tottenham’s wider offensive stagnancy.
Tel’s early-season struggles mirror Spurs’ broader team metrics, where Roberto De Zerbi’s side has failed to score a single goal in 270 minutes of Premier League football despite building a division-worst -3.50 expected goals (xG) differential. While Tel successfully advances the ball into dangerous penalty area entries, his premature shots or misplaced cutbacks have repeatedly halted promising build-up play.
Increased Competition Puts Spot Under Threat Ahead of Everton
With summer arrivals Sávio and Mykhailo Mudryk pushing for regular starting roles on the wings, Tel’s place in De Zerbi’s preferred XI is coming under severe pressure. Sávio turned in a lively 60-minute debut performance against Nottingham Forest, displaying the kind of direct final-third delivery that De Zerbi is demanding from his wide attackers.
As Tottenham prepare to host Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next Saturday, Tel will need to quickly channel his superior dribbling metrics into concrete goals and assists. De Zerbi’s technical framework requires his wide players to be both decisive and efficient, meaning Tel must pair his take-on success with sharp end product if he hopes to retain his starting berth on North London’s left flank.
