There is little doubt, in the eyes of Tottenham Hotspur supporters, that Moussa Dembele is one of the most criminally underrated footballers in Premier League history. Injuries have certainly hindered the Belgium international from being more widely recognised for his unique talents, but in truth such an intelligent and idiosyncratic footballer was never likely to feature prominently on Match of the Day or pique the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs.
But in north London, his value is fully appreciated – and fans know just how much they have missed the 30-year-old’s calming presence in central midfield. His return to form last Saturday, when Tottenham ended a run of four league matches without victory by beating Stoke City 5-1, was resounding evidence of his impact on Mauricio Pochettino’s team. Dembele is an extraordinarily gifted midfielder; his return to first-team action should trigger a dramatic change in the club’s fortunes as they chase a second-place finish.
Dembele had more touches of the ball (118), made more passes (105), and completed more dribbles (3) than any other player on the pitch last weekend in a landmark moment for the Belgium international. Having returned from a long injury layoff several weeks earlier, his dominant display against Stoke was the first time this season Dembele looked like Dembele. There is little doubt he will play a huge role for Pochettino over the coming months.
What Dembele does better than anyone in the country is weave cleverly away from the opposition press before passing the ball coolly to a team-mate. Ever since high-pressing has become the norm in English football, Dembele’s ability to do this under significant pressure within his own half has made him the most important player in the Spurs side. Without his strength and dribbling in tight spaces, Tottenham struggle to start counter-attacks.
His strangely winger-esque attributes are equally important during sustained periods of Spurs possession, providing a sudden burst of penetration that beats the first line of defence, triggering a defensive scramble that creates space for the Spurs attackers in the final third. Pochettino’s side have notably lacked this feature in 2017/18, leading to slower attacks defined by a lack of movement and predictable passing lines.
Far too much pressure has been placed on young Harry Winks to fulfil this role, while Dele Alli’s poor season is in part due to Dembele’s absence. Last season, Alli’s propensity to drift around Harry Kane worked because Dembele so often broke through the midfield, drawing defenders towards him and thus freeing Alli to receive possession in dangerous areas. But without the Belgian, Alli looks lost; it is no coincidence the 21-year-old bagged his third assist of the season against Stoke.
Spurs have begun to slow down over the last month or so, gradually becoming too predictable and feeling the physical effects of Champions League football. But Dembele’s timely return should ignite a resurgence over the coming months. And, if it does, perhaps the 30-year-old will finally get the mainstream praise he deserves.
