Mathys Tel Sends Timely Reminder to Roberto De Zerbi After France U21 Goal
Mathys Tel has given Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi a timely reminder of what he can offer after finally getting on the scoresheet for France Under-21s.
The Tottenham forward scored during France’s 1-1 draw against Iceland, opening his account for the season while captaining the young French side. Tel started as the central striker and played 87 minutes before being substituted.
The goal comes at an important moment for the 21-year-old, who has struggled to produce goals and assists for Tottenham during the early stages of the 2026/27 campaign.
Tel has made six appearances for Spurs across all competitions under De Zerbi but had not registered either a goal or an assist before joining up with France. Although he has shown flashes of his pace, movement and attacking ability, his final product has not yet matched his potential.
His role has also changed depending on the needs of the team. Tel has been used both from the left side of the attack and through the middle, making it difficult for him to establish a consistent rhythm in front of goal.
However, his finish for France demonstrated the natural striker’s instinct that made Tottenham interested in him. Tel reacted quickly to a chance after an effort had been cleared off the line, positioned himself well and finished from close range.
For Tottenham, the goal could prove significant if Tel can carry that confidence back to club football. A breakthrough on international duty can provide an attacking player with renewed belief after a difficult start to a campaign.
Tottenham Need More From Their Attack
The timing of Tel’s goal is particularly relevant for Spurs, who have struggled for results at the beginning of the new Premier League campaign.
Tottenham are currently bottom of the Premier League table after collecting only two points from their first five matches. With goals and attacking production proving difficult to come by, De Zerbi will need his forwards to become more effective in the final third.
Tel’s versatility could make him an important option for the manager. His ability to operate centrally or from the left gives De Zerbi different possibilities when selecting his attacking line-up.
The next challenge will be turning his France performance into consistent form for Tottenham. Spurs have important fixtures ahead, including a meeting with Manchester United on October 10 followed by a game against Coventry City.
If Tel can reproduce the confidence and attacking instincts he showed with France Under-21s, he could give De Zerbi another valuable attacking option as Tottenham look to improve their start to the season.
For now, his international goal serves as a positive reminder that the young forward still possesses the finishing ability and attacking instincts Tottenham hoped to see when they brought him to the club.
