As the close of the summer transfer window approached, it emerged that Tottenham were prepared to listen to offers for three first team members. It raised few eyebrows that Toby Alderweireld and Danny Rose were amongst the list. Mousa Dembele, whose physical capabilities are unfortunately in decline, was also present.
A game-changing substitute performance against Fulham provided a reminder of Dembele’s undeniable quality. It underlined his importance within the squad. Regardless of whether he can consistently put in 90 minutes, his ability to hold the ball and control a game is paralleled by no other Tottenham midfielder.
Tottenham’s Irreplaceable Enigma
Mousa Dembele Haunts Old Club
Let’s go back to the 60th minute of Tottenham’s first Wembley appearance of the season. The score is 1-1. After a dominant first half, Tottenham were somehow only 1-0 up. The second half shaped up entirely differently, however. Fulham gained control, an equaliser, and momentum. Even the most tactically questionable of fans could see the problem – Tottenham were losing the midfield battle. 63rd minute, on comes Dembele.
The introduction of the Belgian was a key turning point. Tottenham immediately regained the control in midfield. Within fifteen minutes of his arrival, the score was 3-1. Kieran Trippier and Harry Kane stole the limelight; Trippier with a beautifully accurate free-kick and Kane by ending his August drought. However, these headlines would have been missed without the powerful presence of Mousa Dembele.
New Role for Dembele
Dembele may start significantly fewer games this season than in previous years. This won’t limit his impact, however. The midfielder has been brought off the bench in consecutive matches. In both, an energetic Mousa Dembele has proved too much for Tottenham’s opponents.
The midfielder has often dominated in the first half but eventually faded in the second. Dembele may now be used more in the business end of matches. This role will, of course, depend on the fitness and form of other midfielders, primarily Harry Winks.
Finding a Replacement
Mousa Dembele will eventually have to be replaced. Pochettino has, in the past, placed Dembele among five ‘genius players’ he has played with or coached. He added that Dembele could have become one of the world’s best if Pochettino had managed him a from a young age. Clearly, a player of this stature will be hard, if not impossible to replace. His strength, dribbling ability and composure really make him a unique player.
The Belgian has twelve months remaining on his Tottenham contract. Whilst Tottenham could have cashed in this summer, a further year of his services could prove invaluable. However Pochettino manages Dembele this season, either a regular starting or substitute role, the midfielder will be key.
Fans should remember what a special talent Dembele is, in what sadly looks to be his final season with Tottenham. From bullying a prime Yaya Toure to dominating the midfield against Juventus, Dembele has proven his quality. Tottenham will, therefore, hope to get as much game time as possible out of their irreplaceable enigma.
Main Photo
