Danny Higginbotham has hailed Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele.
Monaco’s Bernardo Silva in action with Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele
Pundit Danny Higginbotham has told Sky Sports that he thinks Mousa Dembele could be the key for Tottenham as they take on Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.
Tottenham have made a strong start to the Premier League season with two wins and two draws, but Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Monaco in the Champions League has given Mauricio Pochettino a minor dent.
Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele in action with Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko and Bernardo Silva
That game against Monaco did give Pochettino one boost though, as midfielder Mousa Dembele was able to play his first game of the season as a second half substitute.
Belgian ace Dembele had missed the first four games of the season due to a suspension picked up at the end of last season, and he’s now in contention for Sunday’s game against Sunderland.
The 29-year-old was a key part of Tottenham’s side last season as they chased the Premier League title, and whilst Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama have been solid in the heart of midfield, they don’t have the same drive going forward as Dembele.
Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele in action with Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey
Ahead of Sunday’s game against Sunderland, pundit Danny Higginbotham has told Sky Sports that he thinks Dembele is ‘very underrated’ given his great quality, when many others focus on Tottenham’s other attacking stars.
Higginbotham stated that Dembele is key for Spurs due to his powerful runs forward, and thinks Sunderland players could be forced to make decisions in order to nullify his threat, potentially freeing up Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Erik Lamela in attacking areas.
The former Manchester United defender also added that not only is Dembele key to Tottenham’s success as a whole, he’s also vital to Harry Kane’s success in front of goal, as the England striker thrives when playing alongside Dembele.
Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele in action with West Brom’s Craig Gardner
“He takes the ball forward, he’s so strong, I think he’s a very underrated player at Tottenham,” said Higginbotham. “He’s probably one of their most important players. He is key for Tottenham; getting him on the ball, getting him driving through midfield, unsettling the opposition midfield and making them make decision that they don’t really want to do, and going out into areas which means an Eriksen, Alli or Lamela will be left free.
“For me, Dembele is so important – not only to Tottenham being successful, but also to Harry Kane scoring goals,” he added.
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