It seems like ages ago, but Mathys Tel was actually the clear standout player of the preseason for Tottenham Hotspur, destroying defenders in on one-on-ones, creating assists, and even scoring goals for his team. But Tel has soured his name, with many Spurs fans wondering if he has simply shown that his level is not where Spurs need it to be and that he cannot maintain the consistency necessary of a starting left winger for a club with European aspirations in the Premier League.
Tel had nightmare performances against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, and Spurs failed to score in any of his three starts this season. But Spurs also failed to score without him in the starting lineup, too, and they weren't exactly much better as an attack in a 3-2 loss to Aston Villa in their last Premier League game.
Maybe Mathys Tel can strike twice vs. Manchester United
Last year, Mathys Tel scored a crucial game-tying goal to rescue a point against Big Six side Manchester United, even when Spurs were at their worst. And even though he has not taken a shot since Augus, started a game since the 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest, or even played since coming off the bench on Sept. 12 in another 0-0 draw with Everton, it may be time for Roberto De Zerbi to call Tel's number again this weekend against the Red Devils.
Tottenham have nothing to lose at this point. They could start Omar Marmoush on the left wing and Dominic Solanke in the middle, but since De Zerbi took Tel out of the starting lineup to give starts back to another one of his favorites in Big Dom, all Solanke has done is proven that he is the absolute worst player on Tottenham Hotspur and the last man they need. Because if they are going to have a forward who isn't scoring and is losing the ball frequently, at least Tel is creating chances and dominating as a dribbler; Solanke can't even beat his man.
Tel has been a real disappointment to start the season, and even if putting him back in the starting lineup isn't the right answer and Roberto De Zerbi would rather break his plan by having a non-inverted Savio on the left wing with Marmoush and Mohammed Kudus centrally and on the right, respectively, then at least giving more significant minutes to Tel off the bench would be beneficial. And who knows, maybe De Zerbi goes back to the idea of Tel as a striker. After all, that's the position Tel scored from the last time he faced Man United.
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