Mathys Tel could be given one final chance at Tottenham Hotspur following the heartbreaking news of Xavi Simons’ season-ending injury.
Roberto De Zerbi brought Tel on for the second half against Wolves, as the winger replaced his French compatriot Randal Kolo Muani, helping Spurs earn their first win of 2026.
Tel has split opinions of the Lilywhites’ fanbase, but one thing everybody agrees on is his potential.
Another player who could reach unfathomable heights at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is Simons, but his season is now over, as the Dutchman will have to watch his teammates’ fight to keep the club in the Premier League.
However, with Simons now out, De Zerbi may turn to Tel for the run-in, and there would be no better time for the winger to show his true potential.
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These stats show there is hope with Mathys Tel
It’s already been suggested that Tottenham can’t wait around for Tel to develop, especially this season, meaning they shouldn’t force him to play.
But De Zerbi looks like he will be left without a choice following an injury to Simons, as Dominic Solanke may now also be sidelined for Spurs.
As seen in the table above, Tel had a 6.5 FotMob rating for his 45-minute appearance against Wolves, and had a 33 per cent dribble success.
He attempted nine dribbles in total, completing three, but looked to be the only player in a Tottenham shirt willing to create chances.
He has played 27 times in the league this season, and has an overall pass success of 76.4 per cent, with three goals to his name.
The problem Tel has, among others, is his off-the-ball work, and he has only won 42 per cent of his duels, which needs to be improved in these final few games.
Failing to do so may result in him being sold this summer, regardless of what division Spurs are in.
What position could Tel play?
Tottenham’s next game is Aston Villa on the road, and it provides a huge chance for Tel to stake his claim in the starting eleven and even become an unexpected hero.
De Zerbi will be given a new challenge without Solanke and Simons, as rumours of Kolo Muani being injured have been dismissed this week.
The Tottenham boss can either stick with his current 4-2-3-1 formation, or change to something with two number nine’s.
Tel has the ability to play as a striker, but ideally, he should be played on the left flank, his natural position.
It would be no surprise to see Kolo Muani start on the right with Tel on the left and Richarlison in the middle.
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