Spurs return to Premier League action on Sunday when Aston Villa visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Tottenham attackers Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel will return to N17 full of confidence following two statement displays for France U21s during the international break. The two young forwards have lacked consistency since joining Spurs but both are rated by Thomas Frank and are pushing to nail down starting places in his Tottenham XI.
Tel suffered a tough setback earlier in the season when he was omitted from the club’s Champions League squad. Nonetheless, he has shown resilience and battled back, striking the opener for Spurs in their recent 2-1 Premier League victory at Leeds.
While Odobert was included in Tottenham’s Champions League squad, much like Tel, he has mainly featured from the bench. The pair have earned two starts each in the Premier League so far, but there could be more to come very soon.
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That’s because both dazzled for their country as France U21s stuck six goals past the Faroe Islands and Estonia, respectively.
Odobert struck a brace in each U21 European Championships qualifier and also managed to assist Tel in the one-sided 6-1 triumph over Estonia.
Interestingly, Odobert featured from the right flank while Tel operated as a central striker against Estonia.
While it’s no secret ex-Burnley attacker Odobert can play on the right, he has played the crux of his club football on the left wing this season.
Speaking last month, head coach Frank made it clear that he felt Spurs had two fine players on their hands, stating: “What I’m convinced about is that Tottenham have two very good players that I am very convinced will be very good for us over the next few years.”
Frank made a point of congratulating Tel after his first goal of the season at Leeds, encouraging Spurs’ travelling supporters to show their appreciation for the fresh-faced Frenchman.
The Tottenham head coach said after the game: “So I’m almost emotional about him. I’m so happy for him, I think the character he’s shown from a young man just really impressed me from day one.
“But of course after a setback, not coming in the Champions League squad, not being an established player. Maybe playing a good position where I really can see him play and I think he’s taking steps.
“Also [he’s] been picked a little bit for the left. So just keep training well, which he does. He trains well every day. He stayed at home when the whole team went to Bodo and he trained well.”
While Mohammed Kudus has nailed down the right wing role at Spurs, the left flank is still an area that’s well and truly up for grabs.
