Lampard effusive in praise for Dembele, expects Spurs to progress

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Tottenham play host to Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has not held back in his Evening Standard column when praising Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele, and reckons Spurs will knock Juventus out of the Champions League.

Dembele, 30, has gained huge plaudits of late for his form in the middle of the park, starring in the first leg against Juventus as Spurs earned a 2-2 draw in Turin.

Impressive displays against Manchester United and Arsenal have also seen Dembele show just what he is capable of and Spurs fans will be hoping he continues his excellent form on Wednesday night.

Spurs play host to Juventus in the second leg at Wembley as they remain ahead on aggregate due to the away goals rule, and Lampard is looking forward to his tussle with Blaise Matuidi. The ex-Chelsea ace also reckons Spurs will progress.

“It will be great to see him [Matuidi] battle it out with Mousa Dembele in the middle of the pitch,” Lampard said. “He has adapted his game to play deeper and still uses his ability to dribble past people. Not many midfielders can do that.

“He can commit and beat somebody, which opens up the whole game. So he has something extra and he is also very strong in the tackle. He is a complete central midfielder.

“If Tottenham are on their game, I expect them to ignore the nerves and beat Juventus.”

Juve welcome back Matuidi along with striker Paulo Dybala, who was missing from the first leg but has since returned and scored on Sunday in Juve’s 1-0 win over Lazio away from home.

Spurs have just one injury concern in the form of Toby Alderweireld, who is unlikely to feature after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring problem he first suffering against Real Madrid before the turn of the year.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men have won their last seven league and cup outings at Wembley and will be looking to make that eight in order to qualify for the quarter finals of the Champions League.