Tottenham Hotspur’s Mathys Tel has picked one former Bayern Munich star over Spurs record goalscorer Harry Kane – suggesting he was the better player.
As a young forward who has played for both Bayern Munich and now Tottenham Hotspur, Mathys Tel has had the opportunity to learn from some of the biggest names in football.
During his time at Bayern, the Frenchman had a front-row seat to watch Spurs’ record goalscorer, Harry Kane, in action.
Of course, their relationship was made evident during the recent winter transfer window, with Kane openly praising the 19-year-old loanee and even encouraging him to join Tottenham.
However, despite his admiration for the England captain, Tel has now revealed that Kane is not the best player he has played alongside.
Mathys Tel names Sadio Mane as the best player he has played with
In a recent interview, Tel singled out Sadio Mane as the best player he has ever shared a pitch with, suggesting that the Senegalese forward was even better than Kane during his time at Bayern. He lauded Mane’s relentless work ethic and professionalism.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Tel said: “There are a lot of players, but Sadio Mane was the best. His work, every day, hard, after the training, hard, before, after the game. So, he is an example for me.”
While Kane is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, Tel’s comments highlight the impression Mane left on him, particularly in terms of training intensity and dedication.
Harry Kane and Sadio Mane’s Premier League legacy
Both Kane and Mane dominated the Premier League in their respective roles. Harry Kane, a clinical forward with an elite passing range and an instinctive finishing ability, was a talisman for Spurs.
Meanwhile, Mane, known for his blistering pace, sharp movement, and direct attacking style, was a key figure in Liverpool’s success under Jurgen Klopp.
Their stats speak volumes about their impact on English football, and for Tel, taking lessons from both players could significantly shape his development.
If he manages to blend Kane’s technical brilliance with Mane’s relentless work rate, he has the potential to become a top-class forward.
Kane vs Mane – Premier League records
| Player | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Golden Boots | Playmaker Awards | Premier League Titles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Kane | 320 | 213 | 46 | 3 (2015/16, 2016/17, 2020/21) | 1 (2020/21) | 0 |
| Sadio Mane | 263 | 111 | 38 | 1 (2018/19) | 0 | 1 (2019/20) |