Mathys Tel’s hat-trick for France Under-21s was a timely reminder of the talent Tottenham have on their hands.

It should also force Spurs to answer an important question: where exactly is his best position?

Tel has shown he can play from the left, operate centrally and drift into different attacking areas.

That versatility is useful, but there comes a point when a young player needs a defined role to truly develop.

The 21-year-old has often been used on the left by Roberto De Zerbi, but the Tottenham boss has also made clear that he sees Tel as a striker.

After the goalless draw with Everton, De Zerbi explained that Tel needed to adopt the body shape of a centre-forward and stay inside when Spurs have players such as James Maddison, Mohammed Kudus and Savinho creating chances.

That makes sense. Tel’s biggest strengths are his pace, movement and ability to attack the penalty area. His hat-trick against Switzerland also showed the finishing instincts that made Bayern Munich sign him as a teenager.

But playing him permanently through the middle would require patience. Tel is still developing his hold-up play and his ability to lead the line against Premier League centre-backs. He is not yet a finished number nine.

Equally, leaving him permanently out wide risks Spurs never finding out just how good he could become as a striker.

Tottenham therefore need to make a decision. Not necessarily today, and not by ruling out flexibility, but by identifying the position in which they believe Tel can become a long-term starter.

He is too talented to spend the next two years being moved around simply to fill gaps. Spurs invested heavily in his potential, and now they need to give him the clarity, coaching and consistent minutes to realise it.

The France Under-21 hat-trick was another reminder of what is possible. Tottenham’s next job is working out where they want that talent to flourish.