Performance Proves Potential as Long-Awaited Son Heung-min Replacement

[OSEN=Ko Seong-hwan Reporter] Mathis Tell (25, Tottenham Hotspur) finally activated his goal-scoring form. Manager Thomas Frank also applauded him for shaking off his struggles and performing well.

Tottenham, led by Manager Frank, defeated Leeds United 2-1 in the 7th round of the 2025-2026 Premier League season held at Elland Road in Leeds, England, on the 4th (Korean time).

With this victory, Tottenham extended their unbeaten run to seven official matches. In the Premier League standings, they maintained third place with four wins, two draws, and one loss, earning 14 points. Although they have the same points as fourth-placed Bournemouth, they lead by five goals in goal difference.

Tell unexpectedly started the match. Manager Frank deployed Tell as the central striker instead of Hishallysong, who had been consistently contributing attacking points recently. This decision is interpreted as considering Hishallysong's limited impact on the game and physical burden.

Tell did not miss the opportunity that came his way. He scored the opening goal in the 23rd minute of the first half after receiving a pass from Mohamed Kudus. As he broke away to the right side of the box and shot with his right foot, the ball deflected off a defender and curled into the net. It was the long-awaited first goal of the season.

Tell continued to impress throughout the match. In added time of the first half, he attempted a header that could have been his second goal, but unfortunately, it hit the post.

Beyond his shooting, his movement and passing were also impressive. In the 3rd minute of the second half, Tell dropped below the halfway line, received the ball, and delivered a precise through pass to the forward line. Although Sabi Simons' inaccurate finish prevented it from resulting in a goal, it was a chance-creating moment reminiscent of Harry Kane.

After fulfilling his role, Tell was substituted for Hishallysong in the 28th minute of the second half and moved to the bench. Tottenham completed a 2-1 victory with Tell's opening goal and Kudus' decisive goal in the 12th minute of the second half. According to football statistics platform 'FutMob,' Tell recorded one goal, two shots, one hit the woodwork, and one successful long pass during his approximately 73 minutes on the pitch. His rating was 8.0, ranking second overall behind Kudus, who scored one goal and provided one assist (8.6 points).

Tottenham fans also applauded Tell after a long time. After the match, Manager Frank praised, "It was almost emotional. I'm really happy. The character Tell has shown since day one has been truly impressive. Of course, he didn't join the Champions League squad and hasn't become a regular starter. Perhaps Tell is playing in a good position, and he seems to be making progress."

He added, "Tell is also playing a bit on the left flank. So he just needs to train well. He is doing that now. He trains excellently every day. When the entire team went on the Bodø/Glimt away trip, Tell stayed here and trained well. He was prepared today." "Tell moves well into appropriate positions. He could have scored a multi-goal. He put in a good goal as a result of hard training. I'm really, really happy."

This match marked a turning point for Tell, breaking his worst slump. Tottenham invested 50 million euros (approximately 82.4 billion Korean won) in Tell, including the loan fee in the second half of last season. He was expected to be a long-term replacement for Son Heung-min due to his ability to utilize his left foot and play as both a left winger and central striker.

However, Tell never lived up to the transfer fee at Tottenham. Even under Manager Frank's system, he repeatedly underperformed and was surprisingly excluded from the UEFA Champions League (UCL) squad. Criticism grew louder in the UK.

Despite this, Tell remained focused on training without wavering. Although disappointed, he said, "I have no choice but to respect the manager's decision. I will strive to return in the best possible way," adding, "I am contracted with Tottenham until 2031. I will give my all as a Tottenham player," drawing a line under transfer speculation.

Tell proved his words with his performance on the pitch. After scoring, he placed his hand to his ear, performing a celebration as if daring critics to criticize more.

The Tottenham fan community 'Spurs HQ' stated, "Tell answered the critics. Facing criticism, he delivered an amazing performance. After scoring with individual ability, he nearly brought down the crossbar. Tell's outstanding performance at the forefront is a good sign that he could be the goal threat on the left flank that Tottenham still desperately needs," expressing hope that Tell might fill Son Heung-min's void.

/finekosh@osen.co.kr

[Photo] Tell, BBC, Tottenham social media.

Mathis Tell Scores First Goal as Tottenham Hotspur Defeats Leeds