Mathys Tel

[revlis]

Agree 100% with this. He shouldn’t start but if you’re a 21 year old kid who can keep trying to do your thing when you’ve had a bit of a nightmare and 60,000 are groaning whenever you get the ball, you’re the sort of character I want in the squad.

It’s the reason I have so much hope for him. The actual difference in quality at Premier League level is so small, what often decides the type of career a player has is attitude, determination and injuries. His attitude has been brilliant since he came in.

 

[Bishop]

Character can only get you so far, you do need the ability to go along with that character and I don't see what you guys see in this guy.

 

[revlis]

Character can only get you so far, you do need the ability to go along with that character and I don't see what you guys see in this guy.

Some players the prove it can be enough off the top of my head: Michael Dawson, Steffen Freund, Erik Lamela, Teemu Tainio, Steed Malbranque etc.

 

[harr1984]

Character can only get you so far, you do need the ability to go along with that character and I don't see what you guys see in this guy.

I know you have very high standards (which I usually agree with) and so I'm not going to persuade you otherwise. But I think he is generally good at cutting inside and getting a strong shot away, also very good at crossing a ball - as soon as he arrived and came off the bench he was taking corners which was telling. Of course there are things he has to improve on, but time is on his side.

He did one good cut inside and shot from the left yesterday and one good skill to beat one or two men when out on the right and put in a ball - there's no denying he had a poor game overall yesterday but he wasn't alone. And when someone shows the attitude he does I'm happy to give him time at his age. There's no doubt he should be a squad player rather than a starter at this stage though, and with our recent signings that is where he will be for now once everything is settled down....

 

[Bishop]

Some players the prove it can be enough off the top of my head: Michael Dawson, Steffen Freund, Erik Lamela, Teemu Tainio, Steed Malbranque etc.

Interesting because I slightly disagree with your descriptions. Malbranque had quality as I was concerned as did Taino (just an incredibly injury prone player). I wasnt a fan of Dawson or Lamela and felt we needed better at the time. Freund is probably the only one I think that lack ability but character might have compensated but then the position he played allowed for that.

Forwards are judged much more tightly and closely on their ability and effectiveness and it's much more obvious when that is lacking. A busy CM can mask their defiences much more with a whole lot of rubbing around.

 

[DeanoAustin]

Interesting because I slightly disagree with your descriptions. Malbranque had quality as I was concerned as did Taino (just an incredibly injury prone player). I wasnt a fan of Dawson or Lamela and felt we needed better at the time. Freund is probably the only one I think that lack ability but character might have compensated but then the position he played allowed for that.

Forwards are judged much more tightly and closely on their ability and effectiveness and it's much more obvious when that is lacking. A busy CM can mask their defiences much more with a whole lot of rubbing around.

Character won’t be enough for Tel. He needs to produce on the pitch in terms of goals and assists.

I honestly don’t think he’s a million miles from producing that though. The final bit is missing for the most part but you can see he tries things when he gets the ball. He’s tricky and he’s got very quick feet and body movement. Defenders are wary of him. If he can add that final bit, he’ll be a player. If he can’t, his attitude won’t make up for it.

At 21, I think it’s worth us waiting to see if he can add consistent end product.