True Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been banging the drum for young left winger Mathys Tel all season long, and no matter how things have been going for Spurs this campaign, which is mostly bad, Tel has been a pleasant bright spot alongside the likes of Archie Gray.
Tel produced another fine performance in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool, showing up with a ton of heart an the initiative to create and make things happen. Sure, not everything comes off, but when you look at the final tally at the end of the game, Tel is the team's leading creative force and best one on one dribbler out wide with the gumption and athletic tools to make things happen.
What Tel is truly missing more than anything else to convert his hard work, dribbling forays, and teasing crosses is that top No. 9 to make use of his quality. Richarlison did end up scoring the game tying goal and showed a ton of heart again in a relegation battle match vs. old rivals Liverpool, but he also missed a couple of great chances that none other than Tel set up for him.
Mathys Tel keeps having good games
Tottenham do not have a top striker. Randal Kolo Muani could be, in theory, but he barely cares and was inconsistent at PSG anyway. Richarlison is too limited of a player, especially at this stage of his career; he's really just a step away from the Turkish Super Lig or Saudi Pro League. And then there is Dominic Solanke, who has an all around skill set but ghosts games and is not a top scorer.
Imagine Tel with a true world class striker in the Premier League - someone he can assist and even play off of. To bring up a name Spurs fans are familiar with, imagine Tel working with a striker like Harry Kane on a weekly basis.
Tel, Xavi Simons, and a lot of the other young players at Tottenham Hotspur are really just let down by the fact that the coaching and veteran talent at the club are not that great. Spurs have truly promising youth players, but the experienced crew are not at the level required to help pull up the young talents to top five contention in the best league in world football. If anything, that is what Tel - and the others - are suffering from the most, and it shows when you break the games down closer.