Mathys Tel in Tottenham gear and Chelsea badge in inset
Mathys Tel in Tottenham gear and Chelsea badge in inset
Tel is often a frustrating figure as was shown in the Leeds clash towards the end of last season.
He notched the opening goal but gave away a penalty, which allowed the Whites to equalise after a lapse in concentration and also had a dodgy pass that nearly put his side in trouble.
A new reveal on the Frenchman's showing may make it hard for the Italian boss when it comes to his potential selection.
Why has Mathys Tel given Roberto De Zerbi a problem at Tottenham?
De Zerbi has a dilemma on his hands after the telling showing from the former Bayern Munich ace.
Per data from Opta, Tel completed four dribbles in the contest, which was more than any other outfield player in the clash combined.
The 39 other players that covers managed to complete a total of three dribbles.
That is an absolutely ridiculous statistic, and surely gives Tel a better chance of making the starting line-up.
He needs to continue to work hard and prove to the boss that he is someone who can be relied upon, but his previous campaign may already give us what we need to know.
What does Tel's data from the 2025-26 campaign tell us?
There is clearly a player in there when it comes to the Frenchman, as he proved in the league last season.
Per Fotmob data, he managed four goals and one assist in 31 matches, with just 13 starts under his belt.
He averaged 2.35 total shots, 2.01 chances created and 1.94 successful crosses per 90 minutes.
Tel also had 4.56 touches in the opposition box and won 1.54 fouls per match.
De Zerbi will hope that he can have a consistent impact in the coming campaign, and come up with even better numbers.
There is plenty there in the data to suggest that is a valid expectation and that the player can reach the level required, if he is given a chance.