“Fit my style”: Thomas Frank reveal claims he can improve one Tottenham star next season
Tottenham Hotspur’s new era under Thomas Frank has begun with a statement signing that reveals much about the Danish manager’s vision for the club.
The acquisition of 20-year-old French forward Mathys Tel on a six-year contract represents both an investment in potential and a clear indication of the stylistic direction Frank intends to take the North London side.
Behind the scenes at Hotspur Way, there’s growing excitement about how Tel’s unique skill set will flourish under Frank’s guidance.
According to Football.London’s Alasdair Gold, the former Brentford manager conducted extensive analysis of the young Frenchman before greenlighting the move, concluding he could elevate Tel’s game to new heights.
This personal endorsement from the new head coach carries significant weight, suggesting Tel will feature prominently in Tottenham’s plans rather than being viewed as a project for the future.
A Perfect Tactical Fit
What makes this signing particularly intriguing is how Tel’s attributes align with Frank’s preferred system. Unlike Ange Postecoglou’s more structured approach, Frank’s philosophy grants wingers greater license to drift infield and participate in build-up play – a freedom that should showcase Tel’s technical ability and football intelligence.
The young forward won’t be constrained to the touchline; Frank envisions utilizing him across multiple attacking roles, including both flanks and as part of a strike partnership.
This tactical flexibility addresses one of the criticisms of Tel’s loan spell last season. While showing flashes of brilliance, the France U-21 international sometimes appeared restricted by positional constraints.
Under Frank’s more fluid system, his explosive acceleration (clocked at 34.6 km/h last season) and intelligent movement between lines could become potent weapons in Tottenham’s attacking arsenal.
Why Tottenham’s Hierarchy Are Convinced
Several key factors convinced Tottenham’s decision-makers to make Tel their first signing of the Frank era:
- Champions League Pedigree – Despite his youth, Tel brings valuable experience from Bayern Munich’s European campaigns, crucial for a Spurs side returning to the competition after a two-year absence
- Physical Readiness – Standing 6’1″ with a frame that can still develop, Tel possesses the athletic profile Frank demands from his forwards
- Room for Growth – At just 20, his ceiling remains remarkably high, with Frank’s reputation for player development seen as ideal for maximizing his potential
- Psychological Makeup – Tel’s expressed enthusiasm for the Tottenham project, including his desire to return after last season’s loan, demonstrates the right mentality
Frank’s track record with young attackers at Brentford provides compelling evidence for why this partnership could flourish.
His work transforming the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa from promising talents into consistent Premier League performers suggests he possesses the coaching toolkit to accelerate Tel’s development.
The Danish manager reportedly sees in Tel a similar raw material – explosive pace, technical quality, and untapped tactical understanding – that he can refine into a more complete forward.
This belief is reflected in the six-year contract, an unmistakable vote of confidence in both the player’s potential and the manager’s ability to unlock it.
What to Expect Next Season
While some may view Tel as one for the future, whispers from Tottenham’s training ground suggest he could have an immediate impact.
Frank’s system relies heavily on versatile forwards capable of interchanging positions, and Tel’s skill set makes him an ideal candidate for this fluid attacking approach.
His ability to play across the front line provides valuable depth, but don’t be surprised to see him claim a starting role as the season progresses.
With 12 goal contributions in limited minutes last campaign (a goal or assist every 98 minutes), the statistical foundation exists for a breakout season under the right guidance.
As pre-season preparations begin, all eyes will be on how quickly Tel adapts to Frank’s methods.
Early indications suggest this could become one of the more astute signings of the summer – a perfect marriage of player potential and managerial expertise that exemplifies Tottenham’s new direction under their Danish coach.
The message from N17 is clear: in Mathys Tel, they’ve acquired not just a promising young forward, but the ideal prototype for Thomas Frank’s Tottenham revolution. How this partnership develops could define Spurs’ season and beyond.