Mathys Tel was one of the most in-demand players during the January transfer window.
Almost every elite Premier League club, from Arsenal to Manchester United, Chelsea, Spurs, and Aston Villa, made moves for him. In the end, it was Tottenham Hotspur who secured his signature on deadline day with a loan deal that includes an option to buy. Despite initially rejecting Spurs, Tel ultimately made his way to London. But what makes him such a special talent? Why was a player who was barely starting games at Bayern Munich pursued so aggressively by England’s biggest clubs? Let’s break it down.
A Record-Breaking Youngster
For those unfamiliar, Tel is a 19-year-old French forward who was regarded as one of the brightest prospects in France a few years ago. He began his career at Rennes, where he became the youngest player to ever feature in a senior match for the club—a record previously held by Eduardo Camavinga.
At just 17, Bayern Munich secured his services for €28.5 million. Soon after, he made history again, becoming the youngest player to ever score a competitive goal for Bayern. He also became the club’s youngest-ever Bundesliga goal scorer. Even as a teenager, it was clear that Tel was destined for greatness.
A Limited Role at Bayern
Despite his immense potential, Tel struggled for game time at Bayern due to their stacked attacking lineup. With players like Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sané, and Thomas Müller ahead of him in the pecking order, breaking into the first team was always going to be difficult.
However, even with limited opportunities, Tel made a strong impact whenever he played. Last season, he started only six Bundesliga games and played a total of 1,023 minutes—the equivalent of just over 11 full matches—but still managed to contribute directly to 12 goals. His efficiency and influence on the pitch did not go unnoticed.
More Than Just Numbers
Beyond the statistics, Tel is a true entertainer. In the 2023-24 season, he ranked as the sixth-best dribbler among forwards in the Bundesliga, despite only starting six games. For context, he completed 13 more successful dribbles than Harry Kane, who played 26 more matches in the same season. His dribbling ability, combined with his explosive speed, makes him a perfect fit for the Premier League.
Dribblers and fast players tend to thrive in England’s top flight. Look at the impact of players like Mohammed Kudus and Jérémy Doku, or even Eden Hazard in the past. With many Premier League teams employing low-block defensive setups against the top clubs, players who can take on defenders and break lines are highly valued. Additionally, his pace will be a major asset in counter-attacks against elite opposition.
Strength, Technicality, and Intelligence
Tel is not just quick and skillful; he is also physically strong and technically proficient—qualities that are essential for success in the Premier League. Known for its high intensity and physicality, the English league demands aggression, agility, and the ability to operate in tight spaces. Tel possesses all these attributes.
His intelligent movement off the ball is another key strength. With creative playmakers like Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, and Son Heung-min around him at Spurs, his smart runs will likely be well-utilized. A prime example of his awareness came in the opening game of the 2023-24 Champions League season against Manchester United. With only three minutes left in the match, he made a perfectly timed run into the box and scored the game-winning goal.
A Versatile Asset
One of Tel’s biggest strengths is his versatility. He can play anywhere across the forward line—striker (9), attacking midfielder (10), left wing (11), or right wing (7)—and still deliver top performances. His adaptability allows for tactical flexibility, making him an invaluable asset, especially in a team dealing with injuries and rotation.
Interestingly, he even started his career as a center-back. With Spurs struggling with defensive injuries, who knows? If needed, Tel might even be able to put in a defensive shift! Having a player who can be moved around without a drop in performance is incredibly valuable for any manager.
A Natural Goal Scorer
Tel has a knack for scoring spectacular goals. He’s not just about pace and dribbling; he is also a clinical finisher. Some of the biggest names in football have praised his abilities. Thomas Müller called him a “superb finisher,” Julian Nagelsmann suggested he has the potential to score 40 goals a season, and Thomas Tuchel has also spoken highly of his finishing skills.
At just 19 years old, he has already shown immense promise, and his development trajectory suggests that he will only get better with time.
The French Connection
There’s another reason why Tel seems destined for Premier League success—he’s French. Historically, skillful and technical French players have thrived in England. From Thierry Henry and Eric Cantona to Robert Pires and Nicolas Anelka, the Premier League has been a playground for entertaining French footballers. Tel could very well be the next in line to join this elite group.
What’s Next for Tel at Spurs?
While his move to Tottenham is currently a loan deal, the club holds an option to buy him permanently. Given the level of interest he attracted in January, it wouldn’t be surprising if his stay in England extends beyond this season.
But for now, the focus is on his time at Spurs. Will he be a success, or will he struggle to make an impact? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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