Why Mathys Tel’s situation at Tottenham isn’t entirely bleak, even with a steep challenge ahead

Why Mathys Tel’s Tottenham future isn’t as bleak as it looks, despite a tough climb ahead

Mathys Tel joined Tottenham Hotspur to operate as a striker, but unlike the club’s other forwards, he lacks the same physical profile. Thomas Frank has trusted Richarlison as his main option up front, with Dominic Solanke in reserve, and the summer arrival of Randal Kolo Muani has pushed Tel down to fourth choice. Even so, there’s a twist: Spurs are short on the left wing. With Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon gone, Tel is technically the squad’s only natural left-sided winger. Yet, he hasn’t started a game this season, as Brennan Johnson has been shifted across to cover the role, while Wilson Odobert has regularly been preferred off the bench.

His situation took another hit when he was omitted from Tottenham’s Champions League squad. Considering group-stage fixtures against the likes of Bodo/Glimt, Copenhagen, and Slavia Prague, Tel might have expected to feature. It’s led some to question whether his permanent signing was the right move.

Still, there are reasons to stay optimistic. Djed Spence was in a similar position last season, left out of Spurs’ European squad despite a lack of depth, only to work his way into the first team and flourish. Tel is also only 20, far younger than Spence was at that point. Many top players, including Harry Kane, were still finding their footing at that age. Early stardom doesn’t always lead to lasting success, as Dele Alli’s career has shown.

Tel has time on his side. With just 11 Premier League starts to his name, his career is still in its infancy, and he could have 15 or more years left at the top level. A loan move in January might even serve him best, giving him regular minutes and a chance to sharpen the qualities that earned him a move to North London in the first place.

For now, patience will be key. Tel isn’t yet first choice in either of his positions, and Spurs were even pursuing another left winger in the summer, but if he focuses on improving and bides his time, there’s every chance he can grow into a regular at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.