Gerry Francis has praised Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama.
Gerry Francis
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager and current pundit Gerry Francis has told The Mirror that he thinks Spurs star Victor Wanyama is similar to Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante.
Spurs picked up their ninth Premier League win in a row on Sunday afternoon, beating North London rivals Arsenal 2-0 to make sure that they will finish above the Gunners for the first time in over 20 years.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men may have left it too late to catch Chelsea at the top of the Premier League table, but it has been another positive season for Spurs, with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and Harry Kane all impressing.
Whilst the top attacking players will often steal the limelight, the likes of Eriksen, Alli and Kane wouldn’t enjoy quite so much success without Victor Wanyama’s ability in holding midfield, allowing the attackers to go forward.
Wanyama, 25, joined Tottenham from Southampton last summer, reuniting with his former Southampton boss Pochettino, and he has excelled in the heart of the Spurs midfield.
Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic in action with Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama
The Kenyan powerhouse has been a dominant force for Tottenham, protecting a Spurs back four which has conceded just 22 goals in 34 Premier League games this season – the best record in the league.
Now, former Tottenham manager Gerry Francis has told The Mirror that he thinks Wanyama has been a ‘shrewd purchase’ and a very important player in front of the back four, comparing him to Chelsea star N’Golo Kante.
Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante celebrates scoring
Kante, who was named PFA Player of the Year last month, has established himself as the best defensive-minded midfielder in the Premier League, but Francis feels that Wanyama is right up there with the Frenchman.
“Wanyama has been very important,” said Francis. “I think he was a shrewd purchase. He’s the protection really in front of the back four. He’s the one who wins the ball back — a bit like (N’Golo) Kante at Chelsea.”
“He gives it to the Christian Eriksens and Dele Allis, and certainly has done a fantastic job patrolling in front of the back four. He’s important to them,” he added.
Do you think Wanyama is Tottenham’s unsung hero?
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