News of Chelsea’s interest in Bayern Munich teenager Mathys Tel broke last night, with the Blues reportedly willing to make a deal for the France forward.
Although it has been touted as a difficult one to pull off and one that might need Christopher Nkunku moving the other way, there is no surprise that Chelsea fans are excited by the prospect.
Tel has been one of the most coveted young forwards since he broke out for Bayern. So Who is Mathys Tel: Chelsea’s New Target?
Who is Mathys Tel: Chelsea’s New Target
Player Profile – Mathys Tel
From Sarcelles in the Paris suburbs, Mathys Tel’s journey to the top has been meteoric. As a youngster, he played for local clubs Villiers Le Bel, Paris FC, ASJ Aubervilliers, and Montrouge FC, while also spending time at the prestigious Clairefontaine academy.
A move west to Brittany followed, and in 2020, at the age of 15, Tel signed for Rennes.
His rapid progress at Rennes was marked by a record-breaking debut in August 2021, when he became the youngest player ever to appear for the club, aged just 16 years, three months, and 19 days.
That season, he made 10 appearances across all competitions, showcasing glimpses of his immense talent. Standing at 6’0″, Tel is now a forward with a reputation for versatility and precision, and his move to Bayern Munich further cemented his status as one of Europe’s most exciting prospects.
- Club: Bayern Munich
- Nation: France 🇫🇷
- Age: 19
- Height: 6’0”
- Position: CF/LW
- Foot: Right
- Value: €40m
Playing Style
Tel’s playing style is a blend of technical brilliance, athleticism, and positional intelligence. Primarily a forward, he operates comfortably as a center-forward or left winger.
He thrives in the inside-forward role, utilizing his speed and dribbling ability to exploit spaces. His tendency to drift wide and cut inside mirrors the style of iconic French forwards like Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappé.
He is known for his “stop-start” dribbling, a technique that slows down defenders before bursting past them with pure acceleration.
This ability to create chaos in tight spaces makes him a nightmare for opposition defenses, especially in closely contested fixtures.
His adaptability allows him to excel both as a secondary striker and as a traditional No. 9, making him a versatile asset.
Strengths
Tel’s finishing is one of his standout qualities. He possesses exceptional ball-striking ability, with clean, accurate, and powerful shots that often leave goalkeepers helpless.
His technique allows him to execute a wide variety of finishes, including curling finesse shots, driven strikes, and both-footed attempts. This unpredictability is crucial for keeping defenders and goalkeepers guessing.
One of Tel’s most impressive traits is his movement in the box. His predatory instincts enable him to find space and capitalize on scoring opportunities with remarkable efficiency.
He reads the game like a seasoned striker, positioning himself perfectly for high-quality chances.
Physically, Tel is an ideal forward. At 6’0″, he combines aerial prowess with strength, balance, and agility. His sleek frame enables sharp directional changes, vital for beating defenders in one-on-one situations or creating separation for shots.
His athleticism complements his technical skills, making him effective both with and without the ball.
Tel’s one-on-one dribbling ability is another asset. He is fearless against defenders, often using rapid directional changes and bursts of acceleration to leave his markers behind.
His ambipedal nature adds to his unpredictability, allowing him to switch directions and shoot with either foot seamlessly.
Weaknesses
Despite his immense potential, Tel is not without flaws. His consistency is a notable concern, as he occasionally struggles to maintain high performance levels across matches.
This is partly due to his age and relative inexperience at the top level, but it is an area he will need to improve to reach his full potential.
His creative passing is another area where Tel has room to grow. While he is an outstanding finisher, his vision and ability to set up teammates lag behind his other attributes. This can limit his effectiveness when playing as part of a fluid attacking unit.
Additionally, Tel can sometimes snatch at chances in the box, demonstrating a lack of composure in certain high-pressure situations.
Developing a calmer approach to finishing will be crucial for his evolution as a clinical forward.
Verdict
Mathys Tel is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young forwards in European football. His technical skills, athletic attributes, and mental sharpness make him a promising addition to any team, and Chelsea fans have every reason to be thrilled about his potential arrival.
While he is not yet at the level of players like Kylian Mbappé, he shares many of the same traits that could see him develop into a world-class forward.
If Chelsea can secure his signature, Tel could provide the cutting edge they have often lacked in recent seasons. Whether operating as an inside forward or leading the line, he has the tools to thrive in the Premier League and become a key figure in Chelsea’s attacking setup for years to come.
FAQ: Mathys Tel – Chelsea’s New Target
Who is Mathys Tel?
Mathys Tel is a 19-year-old French forward who currently plays for Bayern Munich. Known for his versatility, he can operate as a center-forward or left winger. Tel began his career in the Paris suburbs, playing for various youth clubs before joining Rennes, where he became the club’s youngest-ever debutant at 16.
What position does Mathys Tel play?
Tel primarily plays as a center-forward (CF) or left winger (LW). He thrives in an inside-forward role, often drifting wide to exploit spaces and create opportunities.
What are Mathys Tel’s strengths as a player?
Tel’s strengths include:
- Finishing: Exceptional ball-striking ability with both feet.
- Dribbling: Outstanding one-on-one ability using rapid directional changes.
- Box Movement: Predatory instincts to find space and capitalize on chances.
- Physical Attributes: A blend of height, strength, and agility, making him effective in aerial duels and sharp changes in direction.
- Ambipedal: Equally adept at using both feet for shooting and dribbling.
What are Mathys Tel’s weaknesses?
Tel’s main areas for improvement include:
- Consistency: He struggles to maintain high performance levels across matches.
- Creative Passing: His vision and playmaking skills are less developed compared to his finishing.
- Composure in the Box: He occasionally snatches at chances under pressure.
What is Mathys Tel’s playing style?
Tel is a versatile forward who blends technical brilliance with athleticism. He excels in the inside-forward role, using his speed and dribbling to create chaos in the final third.
His style is often compared to French forwards like Thierry Henry, Kylian Mbappé, and a prime Anthony Martial due to his tendency to drift wide before cutting inside.
Who can Mathys Tel be compared to?
Tel’s style is reminiscent of Thierry Henry and Kylian Mbappé due to his ability to combine pace, technical skill, and positional intelligence. Though he is not yet at their level, he has the potential to reach similar heights with continued development.
Has Chelsea signed Mathys Tel?
Not yet. The deal for Tel is reportedly complicated, potentially involving Christopher Nkunku moving the other way to Bayern Munich. While challenging, Chelsea’s interest highlights their belief in Tel’s potential to become a key figure in their squad.
