Though their recent Champions League exit brought the mood of our resident Tottenham fans down, it’s fair to say that optimism is still high in North London.
Whilst their neighbours, Arsenal, are struggling, Tottenham have been very impressive in the Premier League as of late, and with a top-four finish still on the agenda – and a stadium move on the horizon – things are looking good for the club.
However, the future is not without concern, it seems, at least that’s the opinion of Bleacher Report journalist Dean Jones. Jones thinks that there is a chance that, this summer, Mousa Dembele could leave the club if Real Madrid or Barcelona come calling, and that is sure to concern the Tottenham faithful.
The good news for Spurs is that the new stadium adds incentive for players to stay for the next phase. I think Poch and Kane see it through, not so sure about someone like Dembele if one of the Spanish giants come knocking
— Dean Jones (@DeanJonesSoccer) March 8, 2018
Of course, Dembele has been in fine form this season, and particularly over the last few weeks. He was simply sensational against Juventus in the first leg between the two sides, and it’s been a similar case in the Premier League too.
As such, the prospect of losing him is very concerning, and so our landlord has been quizzing his regulars on who the Lilywhites should look to bring in were he to depart. Even if a move to La Liga is out of the question, the fact that he is already 30-years-old means that Tottenham may be keen to replace him soon – and so this is an interesting topic of debate regardless.
Fortunately for Spurs, there are a number of top central midfielders currently on display in Europe, and it’s fair to say that these TWO would be perfect replacements for Dembele were he to leave…
Fabinho
Fabinho is one of the last remaining key members of Monaco’s title-winning team from last season. Whilst many of his teammates moved away from the club, including to the Premier League, the versatile midfielder chose to remain in France.
His form has continued to improve since then, but this summer, a move away looks inevitable.
Like Dembele, the Brazilian is a fantastic player with the ball at his feet, especially when passing, and he’s great at breaking up play. He, perhaps, isn’t quite as mobile as Dembele – but he more than makes up for that with his quality through the heart of the midfield.
Abdoulaye Doucoure
If Pochettino wants to look a little closer to home, Doucoure could be a great option.
He has been one of the most impressive breakout stars in the Premier League this term, quickly becoming the focal point of the Watford first team. Like Dembele, he’s an expert with the ball at his feet, providing fantastic energy and determination through the heart of the midfield.
He’s contributed 7 goals and 2 assists this term already, and with his physicality and range of passing, he’d make for a good, ready-made replacement.
