The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is vital to the cause.
As Tottenham Hotspur proved in their 5-1 demolition of Stoke City last weekend, a fit and firing Mousa Dembele is vital to Mauricio Pochettino’s side, and managing the Belgian could be the Spurs boss’s biggest challenge as he bids to secure a successful end to the year.
Dembele took some time to play his way back into form, but his performance against the Potters showed exactly what he is capable of, and the trick now is to ensure the 30-year-old does not burn out, especially with vital matches on the horizon.
The biggest of those is Saturday’s match against Manchester City, with Tottenham needing as many of their best players available as possible.
Dembele’s ability in the centre of the park could be vital as Tottenham attempt to do what no other English club has managed this season and defeat Pep Guardiola’s runaway leaders. Yet before that Spurs have a game against Brighton and Hove Albion, which they will also be desperate to win.
With Eric Dier moved to centre-back to cover for the absence of Toby Alderweireld, Demele’s influence is more important than ever, yet one are the days when he can play match after match with no problems.
Managing him through this tough part of the season could be vital for a Tottenham manager who will be aiming for silverware come May.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
