Last season, Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel primarily used Mathys Tel as an impact substitute, sending him on late to energize the game. He started the 2023/24 Bundesliga season brightly, scoring three goals and providing one assist off the bench in the first five league matches. However, he had to wait until March for his first league start, where he scored a stunning goal against Freiburg. Despite this, he was immediately relegated back to the bench.
Under Tuchel’s successor, Vincent Kompany, Tel’s role diminished even further, leading to growing frustration. At just 19, he felt his development was stalling. Bayern urged patience, but Tel believed he was wasting valuable time.
A Move to Spurs for More Game Time
Tel’s potential has been clear since he broke into Rennes’ first team at 16, breaking Eduardo Camavinga’s record as the club’s youngest player. Bayern swiftly secured him for around £25 million amid interest from top European clubs. However, in hindsight, staying longer at Rennes might have benefited his growth, just as Kylian Mbappé thrived at Monaco in his early years.
Now, after starting only twice this season for Bayern, Tottenham offers Tel what he craves most—playing time. With injuries to key forwards Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson, and captain Son Heung-min occupying his natural left-wing position, Tel could feature across the front line. He may even debut in Spurs’ crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool, where they hold a narrow 1-0 advantage.
How Will Postecoglou Use Tel?
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou remains flexible about Tel’s role:
“Oh, mate,” he said when asked about Tel’s position. “Archie [Gray] wanted to be a central midfielder, so who knows where Mathys will end up.”
Postecoglou acknowledged Tel’s ability to play as a striker or winger, emphasizing that, with Spurs struggling for attacking depth, he could be used across all three forward positions.
“At the moment, we’re going to need him probably in all of those areas because, as much as we’ve got issues at the back, we’ve probably got bigger issues in the front third.”
With Richarlison easing back into regular play, Son shouldering much of the attacking burden, and young prospect Mikey Moore still developing, Tel could see significant minutes right away.
What Will Tel Bring to Spurs?
Tel is a dynamic, skillful attacker with the confidence to take on defenders. His dribbling ability was among the best in the Bundesliga last season. However, it’s worth noting that many of his minutes came off the bench, often against fatigued opponents in already-decided games.
Starting regularly for a mid-table Premier League side like Spurs who have developed a habit of giving opponents an early lead will be a whole new challenge.
For Tel, Tottenham represents a fresh start. Now, it’s up to him to prove he’s more than just an impact sub.
