The future of Mousa Dembele has been a topic of discussion which has dominated Tottenham Hotspur in recent months but, with Victor Wanyama residing in the squad, the relentless rumours concerning potential replacements for the Belgian lynchpin can be placed on hold.
Naturally, Spurs will need to sign a new central midfielder to ensure they are well stocked to launch various pursuits for silverware, but in Wanyama they have a player who has become something of a forgotten figure due to his torrid time with injuries.
Losing a player of Dembele’s unique talent is a potential setback which looms on the imminent horizon, but with Wanyama’s recent appearance against Crystal Palace fresh in the memory there is no question that a desperate scramble to identify a new central midfielder is far from necessary.
Moussa Sissoko has played with the intensity of a player reborn this season, Harry Winks has made promising strides since returning to full-fitness and Eriksen is a footballing artist with a broad pallet of qualities to consult, which allow him to operate deeper in midfield as and when he is required to do so.
Add Wanyama (valued at £27 million by Transfermarkt) into the equation and Mauricio Pochettino is armed with a strong collection of midfielders to deploy, and the Kenya international could yet play a vital role with the club following an incredibly frustrating period of time in his career.
Injury ravaged and facing an uphill battle to prove himself to Pochettino, Wanyama completed 90 minutes against Crystal Palace last time out, with a performance which hinted that he will soon be pushing for a regular starting berth once again
Prior to Wanyama’s injury troubles he was a mainstay at the heart of the midfield, utilising his powerful approach and breadth of technical quality to great effect alongside Dembele.
But in Dembele’s absence he may have to step up to the proverbial plate and provide both the brains and the brawn alongside the likes of Winks, Eriksen, Sissoko and whoever Spurs decide to add to their collection of midfielders.
If Pochettino is able to help the 27-year-old rediscover the form which endeared him to the Spurs faithful on his debut season in north London it would represent another fine piece of man-management from the Argentine, who seems to be an expert in slowly and successfully embedding players back into the first-team after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
