The Bundesliga is the victim of constant abuse. Oft being labelled as a “farmers league” or “feeder league”, football fans continue to turn their attention to the rest of Europe’s top five leagues. Of the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Premier League — Europe’s most highly regarded league’s — England’s top flight is widely touted as the best and most exciting to follow. However, football fans and footballers don’t always think alike
During his recent appearance on the Zack Nani Foot & Live podcast (as captured by Goal), Tottenham’s Matthys Tel criticized the Premier League. The former Bayern Munich attacker did not mince his words, particularly calling out the league’s “style of play.”
“I’m telling the truth – it [the Premier League] is not a spectacle,” shared the 20-year-old Frenchman. “It’s boring to watch. It’s really just a clash between two teams with their own ideas.”Tel went on to explain precisely what he believes the league is missing. “There is less flair, no Vinicius performing a sombrero flick, no dribbling, no Kylian [Mbappé] sprinting.”
The young attacker is clearly having a tough time at Spurs — along with the rest of Spurs’ players, coaching staff, fans or anyone associated to the football club in any capacity. Tel has only managed six goals and two assists across 48 appearances for the The Lillywhites. In his defense, Spurs has been dreadful this season. Subpar performances, a negative atmosphere and a revolving door of managers are certainly not conducive to a young player’s growth. However, the Frenchman’s comments will not go unnoticed.
One has to feel for Tel who, at one point, was one of Bayern’s brightest young talents. At the tender age of 20, time is still on the attacker’s side, but at this point every minute spent at Spurs feels like a waste of Tel’s talent and potential.
How much does Spurs’ situation have to do with Tel’s frustration? Is his frustration a result of his lackluster performances? Or, is it a combination of both?
