Harry Kane reveals why Mathys Tel will thrive under Thomas Frank at Tottenham
Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane believes his former teammate Mathys Tel has the talent to succeed in the Premier League after sealing a long-term switch to Tottenham.
Mathys Tel initially joined Tottenham on deadline day of last season’s winter transfer window, arriving on a six-month loan with an option to buy.
The young German forward found his opportunities limited at Bayern Munich with Harry Kane leading the line. Tel had several offers in January but initially dismissed a move to Spurs, only to change his mind on deadline day.
The 20-year-old went on to make 20 appearances under Ange Postecoglou, recording four goal contributions: a modest return by his own standards. His mixed spell sparked debate over whether Tottenham should trigger the buy option in his contract, and whether Tel himself would agree to stay.
Ultimately, Spurs made the move permanent this summer in a £30 million deal running until 2031. New boss Thomas Frank, who admitted he is “very excited” to work with the forward, played a key role in convincing Tel to commit to the long-term switch.
Tel revealed he spoke to Harry Kane before moving to North London initially, with the England captain offering praise about his former club.
Harry Kane impressed by Mathys Tel’s potential at Tottenham
After Spurs’ 4-0 defeat to Bayern Munich last week, Harry Kane, who spent 18 months as Mathys Tel’s teammate in Munich, spoke to his former club and had high praise for the Frenchman (Tottenham official):
“He’s got great potential. Whether he’s playing as a left winger or a striker, he gets into dangerous areas, he can finish the ball well and he’s good one-v-one.”
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him. He’s going to the Premier League, he’s still extremely young, although he has a lot of experience here. He still has to develop and improve.
“He knows that and he works hard to do that. So I just want him to go and enjoy himself, have confidence, and hopefully he can shine in the Premier League.”
Thomas Frank yet to decide on Tel’s main role for new-look Spurs
Like Kane pointed out, Tel is capable of playing as a left winger or through the middle. Under Ange Postecoglou, he was also deployed on the right wing for short spells, making it difficult to pinpoint his best position.
When asked whether Frank had a set role in mind, the French youngster was coy. Quizzed on his preferred position and whether any discussions had taken place, he replied: “We’ll see what happens,”. He also added that he needs to be ready to play wherever he is needed.
Now that Tottenham’s number 7 for the last decade, Son Heung-min, joined MLS side LAFC last week, Tel could be used primarily on the left this season.
Alternatively, if Richarlison leaves and Spurs do not recruit another striker, he could find himself competing with Dominic Solanke for the number nine role, with Wilson Odobert, who caught the eye in pre-season, operating on the left.
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