Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Tue 2 June 2026 11:10, UK

Mathys Tel is set for a career-defining 2026-27 season, as he looks to make a name for himself as a Tottenham Hotspur player.

Following dismal spells under Thomas Frank and Igor Tudor, the Lilywhites were left fighting for survival.

Enter Roberto De Zerbi, tasked with steering Spurs to safety less than a year after their Europa League triumph.

He duly delivered, with his side securing top-flight status thanks to a final-day win over Everton.

Now the Italian is looking to mould the north London club in his image, with a pivotal year looming for several members of the squad – none more so than Tel.

Mathys Tel has endured a difficult time as a Tottenham player

Making the move from Bayern Munich in January 2025, Tel has struggled to hit the imagined heights at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Once viewed as one of the best young prospects in Europe, the Frenchman’s progress has stalled, despite flashes of brilliance.

With a wand of a right foot, Tel has proven clinical when handed the chance to let rip, with his four goals coming from an xG of 2.44.

His ball-striking has always been his claim to fame, backed by his 29 successful crosses at a success rate of 31.2 per cent.

Though, he is not exactly a chance magnet – someone able to either create a moment out of nothing for himself, or capable of making himself a nuisance in and around the box.

When this is considered, it makes sense as to why he has let fly with a relatively low tally of just 35 shots this term, while his 787 touches are simply not in the areas needed to cause real damage.

A brilliant finish from Mathys Tel 🎯 pic.twitter.com/YTjm95WAUu

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) May 12, 2026

His commitment cannot come into question, with De Zerbi previously praising his attitude during the early days of his spell in charge.

But if he is to begin fully making a real impression in North London, the Frenchman will need to become more proactive in and around the box and begin creating chances for himself.

Where will Mathys Tel fit in Roberto De Zerbi’s plans?

At the back end of the campaign, Tel was used out on the left of De Zerbi’s 4-3-3, with himself and Randal Kolo Muani filling in out wide, given the injury woes.

Ahead of the summer, it has been reported that Tottenham are set to sign a striker, with recent links to Fiorentina’s Moise Kean and PSG’s Goncalo Ramos – both being proactive centre-forwards capable of feeding off scraps as well as excellent service from those around them.

Tel certainly fits into the latter bracket, but he could still have a future down the middle as he develops.

Importantly, he has shown glimpses that he can grab a game by the scruff of the neck, as seen in the 2-1 win against Aston Villa, though this needs to be on a more consistent basis.

With Mohammed Kudus set to return before the coming term, a future may await Tel on the left, with a more natural winger on the opposite flank potentially affording the young forward the space he needs on the other side.

However, he will surely be eyeing a long-term role through the middle. While he may initially have to play second fiddle to any incoming striker, increased minutes in that central position would undoubtedly accelerate his development – particularly if he can regularly come off the bench to exploit tired legs.

Even if Tel is not the first name on the teamsheet next season, the campaign is shaping up to be make-or-break for him. He must begin to marry consistency and proactiveness with the talent that is so clearly there.