Tottenham Hotspur is set to face Paris Saint-Germain this Wednesday in the Champions League, a match that showcases the struggle of both squads. Interestingly, both teams could field an all-French attacking lineup that would be competitive, comprising talents like Barcola, Dembele, and Doue from PSG up against a trio of Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani, and Wilson Odobert from Tottenham.
Luis Enrique, PSG’s manager, may opt to start all three of his French attackers if Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue are fit. However, Tottenham’s manager, Thomas Frank, has reservations about his French contingent’s current form. Notably, Mathys Tel has not been registered for the Champions League. The 20-year-old, who had a promising spell as a super-sub at Bayern Munich, has struggled at Tottenham, scoring just two goals in ten appearances this season.
Frank’s decision not to include Tel in the Champions League squad can now be justified, as he has yet to make a significant impact despite a noteworthy goal against Leeds and a stunning overhead kick against Manchester United. Tel has been unable to secure a consistent starting role, often playing as a winger or center-forward, leading to questions about his optimal position within the team.
Meanwhile, Randal Kolo Muani, who arrived on loan from PSG, is still searching for his first goal for Spurs. Combatting injuries and competition for spots has hampered his progress, and he has played only a limited number of minutes this season. While Richarlison has been in better form, scoring five goals this season, Kolo Muani’s chance to shine has yet to materialize given his lack of pre-season preparation and subsequent injuries.
Amidst this uncertainty, Wilson Odobert, the least known of the trio, has shown promise with more playing time compared to his teammates. The young striker has participated in 15 matches, scoring once and providing two assists. His ability to generate excitement is growing, particularly after displaying skill before the international break.
As the match approaches, Odobert is likely to see action on the pitch at Parc des Princes, while Tel will remain absent. This dynamic should add intrigue to a match that highlights not only the individual challenges faced by these French talents but also the broader context of their respective clubs’ performances in the Champions League. The hope is that these young players can find their form and contribute significantly, bringing renewed optimism to their teams.