Some sections of the Tottenham fanbase remain unconvinced by Mathys Tel, despite his latest hat‑trick for the France U21 team.Mathys Tel has not enjoyed the best of starts to life at Tottenham Hotspur this season, which has surprised many given his strong pre-season form.Tel managed one goal and three assists during the summer camp – more goal involvements than any other Spurs player. However, since the season began, his output has dropped to zero in six appearances. Not only is he lacking goals, but his decision-making in the final third has left much to be desired, frustrating both fans and manager Roberto De Zerbi.Speaking about Tel, De Zerbi said: “In that position, we have Mathys Tel, big potential. But also Mathys takes too many wrong decisions.”Photo by Boris Streubel – UEFA/UEFA via Getty ImagesTottenham’s Mathys Tel shines for France U21sDespite his struggles at club level, Tel earned a call-up to the France U21 side during the international break and impressed, scoring five goals in three games.Spurs Web reported on his first two strikes, which came against Iceland and Luxembourg – the latter a late winner. Tel then went one better, netting a hat-trick in France’s 7-1 win over Switzerland, helping Les Bleus finish top of their qualifying group.His latest display has reignited belief among Tottenham Hotspur fans, many of whom remain convinced of his potential. They said: “Let’s hope that will give him the confidence and belief to do the same for us.”“He’s gonna be great in the future, we can’t let him go.”“With his mentality and his potential, it would be foolish to write him off.”“So the signs are there! He just needs some more time, right?”“Need to get the best from him. Maybe try him at centre forward on Saturday.”Hat-trick for Mathys Tel. Five goals during this international break. https://t.co/NwmDDjbgcg— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) October 6, 2026Roberto De Zerbi’s Tel verdict and Spurs fan doubtsTel’s hat-trick came while playing through the centre – a role he has already tried at Spurs, albeit off the bench against Everton.De Zerbi was unimpressed with his positioning in that game and made his feelings clear: “Yes, I coached him on the pitch. The body shape. He is a striker and the striker can play with the shoulder on the goal. If we are playing with Maddison, Kudus and Savio, he has to play as a striker and the striker has to look at the goal or the cross from Robertson.“He has to stay inside because he started as a striker, eh? Now he is playing as a winger but he started his career as a striker. But I love Mathys as a player, as a guy, and there is not a problem.”Not all Tottenham fans are convinced by his U21 exploits, with some sceptical about whether he can replicate such success in the Premier League:“Guys, it’s U21s! A million miles away from senior football, he’s rubbish in the Prem.”“Comes back against United, dribbles into nowhere, three shots over the bar, 62% pass completion, eight crosses end up in throw-ins, subbed off after 64 minutes.”“First touch will lead to a 50/50, his first shot will go into the suburbs around Old Trafford, his first dribble will be hopelessly overshot. Bookmark this.”“Shame he won’t continue this form for Spurs.”“Probably useful in our U21 team too.”“Stick him in our U21s and I’m sure he would do just as well.”Tottenham face Manchester United next at Old Trafford, and Tel could be in line to start – likely from the left. If he does, fans will be hoping for a significant improvement.READ MORE: Five huge clubs scout Luca Williams-Barnett as Tottenham face nightmare scenarioThe post ‘Signs are there’ – Tottenham fans left split after Mathys Tel scores surprise hat-trick appeared first on Spurs Web.