Mathys Tel struggles leave Tottenham questioning Mikey Moore loan decision

Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to send Mikey Moore on loan to FC Köln is coming under renewed scrutiny as Mathys Tel continues to struggle for form.

During pre-season, there was genuine excitement about what Tel and Moore could offer Roberto De Zerbi’s attack. The young forwards combined for two goals in a 3-0 victory over Hoffenheim and appeared capable of playing significant roles during the 2026/27 campaign.

That optimism was particularly strong around Tel. After showing encouraging signs during a difficult 2025/26 season, the Frenchman was arguably Tottenham’s standout attacking player in pre-season.

The competitive campaign has produced a very different picture.

Both Tel and Moore struggled against Brentford on the opening weekend, with Moore subsequently completing his loan move to Köln as Tottenham decided regular first-team football elsewhere would benefit his development.

Tel stayed in north London and continued receiving opportunities. However, rather than building on his pre-season performances, his displays have deteriorated.

There have still been occasional flashes from Tel, particularly when he beats his first defender and attacks space. His performance during Tottenham’s League Cup defeat against Liverpool provided examples of that ability.

The bigger issue has been what happens afterwards.

Tel has repeatedly surrendered possession and made costly unforced errors in attacking areas. His decision-making and execution have prevented promising situations from developing into meaningful chances.

That is particularly concerning because Tottenham’s other attackers have also struggled for consistency. Dominic Solanke and Omar Marmoush have had their own problems retaining possession, but Tel’s decline has arguably been the most striking given how impressive he looked before the season started.

Instead of carrying his pre-season momentum into competitive football, the former Bundesliga forward has gone from one of Tottenham’s brightest performers to one of their biggest attacking concerns.

Tottenham had understandable reasons for allowing Moore to join Köln.

The teenager needed consistent senior minutes, and a Bundesliga loan offered an opportunity to develop away from the pressure of immediately establishing himself in Tottenham’s starting XI.

Moore also had shortcomings before his departure. He missed chances and needed to become more decisive with the ball, but he was regularly finding himself in dangerous scoring positions.

Tel’s performances have now created a debate over whether Tottenham would have benefited more from keeping Moore available to De Zerbi.

That does not necessarily mean the original Mikey Moore loan decision was wrong. Tottenham made it with the intention of accelerating the youngster’s development through regular football.

However, Tel’s inability to establish himself has changed how that decision looks only weeks into the season.

Tottenham expected the 21-year-old to be further along in his development and ready to contribute immediately. Instead, his current struggles are leaving Spurs without the attacking progression they expected when Moore was allowed to leave.

Tel now needs to turn his encouraging flashes into consistent performances and show why Tottenham were comfortable giving him opportunities while allowing Moore to develop elsewhere.

Spurs will also continue monitoring Moore’s progress in Germany. If the youngster develops as hoped at Köln while Tel continues struggling in north London, the decision to separate the two young attackers this season will face even greater scrutiny.