The Mathys Tel Reality Tottenham Can No Longer Ignore
Tottenham Hotspur’s recent uptick under Roberto De Zerbi — a battling draw against Brighton followed by a vital win at Wolves — has offered a small lifeline in their fight for Premier League survival. But with a trip to Aston Villa looming and an equally crucial clash against Leeds United to follow, Spurs face a brutally demanding stretch that will define their season.
Amid this pressure, one truth has become impossible to ignore: Mathys Tel must play.
Experience Over Youth — But At What Cost?
De Zerbi has leaned heavily on experienced squad members as Spurs navigate this turbulent period. Unfortunately, the player who has suffered most from that approach is Mathys Tel, despite being arguably the team’s most dangerous attacker over the past several months — even if that praise reflects more on Tottenham’s wider issues than anything else.
But Tel’s value was crystal clear at Molineux. Brought on from the bench, he completely shifted the momentum, earning the corner that produced the decisive goal. Without his impact, Spurs would likely be staring relegation directly in the face.
Tel’s Fight Sets Him Apart
One thing separates Tel from every other forward De Zerbi has available: his relentlessness. His directness, energy, and willingness to take responsibility have been glaringly absent elsewhere in the attack.
Dominic Solanke’s injury removes the manager’s early first-choice No. 9 from the equation. Even before the setback, he wasn’t delivering. With Xavi Simons sidelined and no natural right winger in the squad, De Zerbi’s options are thin — and yet the solution is standing right in front of him.
The Shape Spurs Must Consider
Though Tel operates naturally from the left, some of his most decisive performances this season have come as a left-sided striker in a two-man frontline — including against Leeds, whom Spurs face again shortly.
If De Zerbi wants a pairing that actually complements each other, the answer is simple:
Richarlison and Tel.
The Brazilian’s aggression, aerial ability, and hold-up play blend perfectly with Tel’s pace, instincts, and ability to attack space. It’s a combination far more functional than anything Randal Kolo Muani has offered.
And when James Maddison returns to full fitness to slot in as the No. 10 behind them, the setup becomes even more dangerous.
No More Time for Caution
Tottenham are running out of games, running out of ideas, and running out of excuses. The supporters have been calling for Tel to start under three different managers now. His impact against Wolves was just the latest reminder — if De Zerbi chooses not to act on it, the risk is enormous.
Tel represents energy, unpredictability, and, crucially, hope.
This is the moment where Spurs must choose boldness over conservatism. De Zerbi has already shown he is adaptable in his tactical approach to keep the club alive. Now he must apply that same courage to his team selection.
The conclusion is obvious:
Mathys Tel has to start.
Tottenham’s survival may depend on it.
