Euro 2016’s Top 50 Players: Number 50 Mousa Dembele

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Tottenham star will feature for Belgium this summer.

Mousa Dembele – Belgium – Will face Italy, Ireland, and Sweden

HITC Sport writers have compiled a list of the top 50 players at Euro 2016, assessing players from across the 24 countries taking part at this summer’s tournament.

Coming in at number 50 is Belgium’s and Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele, after an excellent season at club level.

The top players at Euro 2016 1-50: Read the entire list

International record: 61 Caps, 5 Goals

2015/16: Dembele’s season for Tottenham was truly outstanding before a clash with Diego Costa saw him slapped with a six-game FA ban.

After struggling to impress Mauricio Pochettino in the Argentine’s first season at Spurs, he became a key figure for the team, forging a tremendous midfield trio with Dele Alli and Eric Dier.

His physical presence and technique stood out and he simply appeared a cut above his opponents with regularity, and it was no surprise Tottenham struggled in his absence.

Controversial moment: Dembele’s attempted eye gouge on Diego Costa was ugly and he deserved his FA ban. It was uncharacteristic though, and a lack of discipline is not a worry Belgium should have about him at Euro 2016.

What can we expect?

While form should suggest Dembele should be an automatic starter for Belgium, his task is not so simple.

He has been in and out of the side during qualifying, and has tough competition in midfield from the likes of Radja Nainggolan, Axel Witsel and Marouane Fellaini, while Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne will occupy the flair roles.

If Dembele features he will be looked to for leadership in the absence of Vincent Kompany, while being able to link up with and shield defensive duo Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld could count in his favour.

Belgium are among the favourites and they would do well to try and get the best out of Dembele if they are to be successful at the tournament.