Tottenham have made a good start to the new Premier League season, with Thomas Frank helping to drag the team out of the slump they suffered last campaign.
While there were some high points, such as Spurs winning the Europa League, the lack of consistency proved to be a problem under Ange Postecoglou.
With his exit confirmed and the arrival of Thomas Frank, there was an understanding that the football may not be as free-flowing at its best, but won’t be anywhere near as bad at its worst.
Tottenham fans have already had a taste of that, with a few tough performances so far, but often backed up with some important points.
It sees the club go into the second international break of the season in third, just two points away from the top.
Involved in that run was Tottenham’s recent win over Leeds, which saw three players singled out for praise from Alan Shearer.
Alan Shearer singles out Mathys Tel, Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie for praise at Tottenham
Tottenham’s impressive start has been helped by some top performances within the squad, as Thomas Frank gives his stars a platform to impress.
At times, it’s been the attacking flair of Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons which has dragged them through, while the importance of defensive duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven cannot be overlooked.
However, it was three other players who were singled out for praise from Alan Shearer when speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast.
He claimed: “I think the big difference for Spurs yesterday was Leeds had more possession, had more shots, had the better chances and put Spurs under huge pressure at times.
“But I think what impressed me was how good Spurs were on the transition, on the turnover. Got the ball forward quickly, two full-backs were great, I thought, in Porro and Udogie.
“And you’ve got to give great credit to Mathys Tel because he’s left out of the Champions League [squad].”
It’s some big praise for all three, who did impress when called upon for Tottenham during the match.
Perhaps it points to not only the work Frank has done in giving his team a base to improve from, but the squad depth now at his disposal.
Thomas Frank left emotional over Mathys Tel impact at Tottenham
After last season’s loan spell, Tottenham decided to make their loan move for Mathys Tel permanent, signing him from Bayern Munich.
That came with plenty of confusion, however, with the signings of Simons and Kudus seemingly relegating his position in the squad.
There was further doubt as Tel was left out of the Champions League squad, raising plenty of eyebrows over the deal.
Given how he has responded, however, it’s clear that he is still a player Tottenham can have great hopes for.
Frank revealed his emotional response to his goal against Leeds after the game when he told the press: “I’m almost emotional about him, so happy for him. I think the character he’s shown for a young man just really impressed me from day one, but of course, after a setback, not coming in the Champions League squad, not being an established player, maybe playing a good position where I really can see him play and I think he’s taking steps.
“Also been picked a little bit for the left. So, just keep training well, which he does. He trains well every day.
“Stayed at home when we went the Bodo the whole team, trained well. Just ready today. Big praise to Cameron [Campbell] and Justin [Cochrane] to work with Mathys and the way we worked with him – a fine game against West Ham as a striker, to a better game against Doncaster, where he arrives more in the right areas.
“I know he could have scored two goals, but as I say, he arrives there because we trained and we showed clips.
“To the next level today, where I think he worked hard, he scored a good goal. I know there was a little deflection, but the connection was good. He has a header, other good situations. So, very, very pleased.”
It shows Tel can offer plenty to Tottenham, even if he hasn’t made quite as instant of an impact as he would’ve hoped.