By SABC Sport
26th September 2023
Coach Thomas Tuchel himself acknowledges the undeniable truth.
Tel has been a revelation in his super-sub role this season, amassing three crucial goals and a pivotal assist. The most recent feather in his cap was the match-winner in Bayern's thrilling 4-3 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League. His role as provider was equally noteworthy, orchestrating Bayern's second goal in a gripping 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen and the decider in a 2-1 triumph over Borussia Monchengladbach.
With each appearance, Tel is not only earning but also saving Bayern crucial points, elevating himself from a budding talent to an indispensable asset. The clamour for him to grace the starting line-up grows louder with each contribution. The relentless fixture schedule, will necessitate Tuchel's tactical rotations to maintain player fitness and readiness.
In the build-up to Bayern's Bundesliga encounter with VfL Bochum, which ultimately concluded in a resounding 7-0 victory for the Bavarians with Tel scoring one of the goals, coach Tuchel extolled Tel's virtues. He expressed profound appreciation for the young talent's commitment to his role within the squad. Tel's decision to stay with the club despite the high-profile arrival of Harry Kane speaks volumes about his character and ambition.
"Mathys is 18 years old and has an important role. The way he takes on his role is fantastic. He has the ability to influence games. It is important for him to have a clear mindset. It's natural that he wants more. He must be ready and patient at the same time. He may start tomorrow. We have big competition. To have someone take on a role like he did is fantastic," Tuchel remarked during the press conference ahead of the Bochum clash.
Tel's lone start for Bayern came in the DFL-Supercup, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig. However, it's essential to contextualize this performance. At that juncture, the ink on Kane's transfer from Tottenham had barely dried, rendering him ineligible to start. It was an expected decision that Tel would feature from the outset, given the circumstances, and his presence in the squad was a testament to his potential.
As the young star continues to shine, it becomes increasingly evident that Mathys Tel's name will be etched into the starting line-up sooner rather than later.