In his first appearance for France’s U21 national team, Mathys Tel from FC Bayern immediately came up trumps. A possible move to the German national team could therefore become a long way off.
In coach Thierry Henry’s French selection, Tel continued where he left off at FC Bayern: the 18-year-old once again helped his team to victory in the 2-1 win in the European Championship qualification against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
With the score at 1:1, Tel came on as a substitute in the 77th minute. Shortly before the final whistle, the Bayern youngster prepared Arnaud Kalimuendo’s winning goal (90+2).
Deschamps raves about Tel
Tel was called up for the France U21 team for the first time this international break. “I think you followed what he did. To be involved in so many goals, even though he didn’t start a single game apart from the cup, is extraordinary,” enthused Coach Henry recently.
France’s senior national coach Didier Deschamps also praised the striker. “He has an efficiency that is very good. He has this ability to be decisive when he comes in. I hope he will get as much playing time as possible. It’s interesting what he does. This ability, with little Playing time is crucial,” he said at a press conference and added: “We are paying attention, but he has to get his playing time. He has strong competition at Bayern.”
Most recently, DFB sports director Rudi Völler flirted with a change of nation via “Bild” Tels: “Of course he’s a great striker. You can certainly try. But in the end it’s the player himself and the family who decide.”
His advisor Gadiri Camara then said on “Sky”: “No one has spoken to us about this possibility. We have seen Rudi Völler’s statement, and that shows that all German people love Mathys and his work.”
Tel himself recently emphasized that he wanted to continue playing for France. “I’m very happy to be here. The feeling of representing France: there’s nothing better,” the 18-year-old made clear.