Manager tells Tottenham youngster he ‘needs to develop his professionalism’

It has been nearly three months since Mathys Tel swapped Bayern Munich for Tottenham Hotspur. The 19-year-old has seen far more minutes in north London than he ever managed in Germany.

Yet, despite the increased game time, he has struggled to make a real impact, scoring just once in seven appearances for Spurs.

Even with his underwhelming form, Tel was among the 17 Tottenham players called up for international duty.

Speaking to the media, ahead of France’s u21 clash against England, his national team manager Gerald Baticle, addressed Mathys Tel’s development.

While he praised the teenager’s instinct in front of goal, he made it clear there is still plenty of work to be done if the 19-year-old wants to take his game up a level.

Ouest-France relayed Baticle’s comments: “He’s a player with great potential, who needs to develop his professionalism to establish himself.

“He must show that he’s efficient and effective to reach even higher levels. There’s still work to be done, but the foundation is very interesting.”

Regardless, the teenager remains a regular for France’s U21s, earning a spot in each of the last three international breaks, including this one.

There’s no doubt Tel has talent. He’s got raw ability, pace, and a real hunger to score goals. But right now, there’s a lot to improve if Tel is going to become the long-term replacement for Heung-min Son, as some have suggested.

Tottenham holds a £45.7 million option to buy at the end of the season, and reports suggest that Spurs are leaning towards activating Tel’s option to buy.

Whether that’s the right decision remains to be seen. However, if he wants to make it at Spurs, he’ll need to take Baticle’s words seriously and sharpen up quickly.

Tottenham Hotspur have endured a frustrating campaign, and Postecoglou’s position is under increasing scrutiny