Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed that Tottenham haven’t replaced Mousa Dembele who was ‘so good’ during his days in the Premier League, as he told talkSPORT.
The former Aston Villa striker was critical of Tottenham’s midfield players and the lack of attacking quality they have in their locker.
In terms of statistics, Dembele isn’t a player that would blow you out of the water, but he was highly respected by his peers.
An underrated figure, Dembele, who left Spurs just before they reached the Champions League final in 2019, could drive with the ball from deep with absolute ease, elegance and power.
Whenever opposing players, or even his own teammates, would speak about their most difficult opponents, Dembele’s name would constantly be brought up.
That’s a testament to how good the 34-year-old was, as Agbonlahor shared how they are missing his qualities now.
“I think they are too reliant on Kane and Son, they can’t do it all,” said Agbonlahor.
“In the Spurs midfield, you have Hojbjerg and Winks. None of them are trying to make that clear-cut pass. None of them are running through to try and get a goal.
“Someone trying to get on the ball and dictate play. Eriksen in his prime. They haven’t even replaced Dembele. He was so good at Spurs.
“Remember playing against him. You couldn’t get anywhere near him. Ran with the ball. Drive forward.”
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Harry Winks, Oliver Skipp and January signing, Rodrigo Bentancur are the men Antonio Conte can pick from in midfield.
But, in truth, they don’t hold a candle to what Dembele used to bring to the midfield table for the north London club.
Now plying his trade in China, because injuries hampered the back end of his career, Dembele will retire at the end of his contract.
It’s a crying shame that he left the Premier League stage without anyone really noticing because, at the time, he was struggling with injuries.
If Dembele was able to fend off some of the issues his body suffered, then he would have been a leaner machine than he already was.
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