Moussa Dembele has been one of the better performers for Tottenham Hotspur in the last few years. The Belgian started off as a number nine earlier in his career. With excellent skills on the ball and quick feet to dazzle defenders, Dembele quickly rose through the ranks to become an excellent forward. However, his lack of superior finishing abilities saw him moved down the field into a number 10 role.
The new role seemed perfect for the Belgian as he was able to dribble and dance past defenders while creating chances galore for his team. He was the number 10 with great skills on the feet and an excellent passing range. He shone brightly for Fulham and dazzled the Premier League as an out and out number 10.
As his career moved forward, he had to adjust further to his position. His broad structure and ability to pass along with his skills of tackling and marking would see him pushed further down into a number 8 role. Although his attacking instincts had to be curtailed, Dembele became one of the better midfielders the game has seen in England.
He has the potential to dribble past two players with absolute ease, he can pass through 40 yards as well as slip in a killer ball in a tight area. He has the x-factor to shoot in some outrageous goals. He tackles well and runs back to strengthen his defence every time they lose the ball. A player with a calm head, he has an excellent sense of positioning as well.
Amidst such abundance of talent, one thing that has slowed down his career is his series of unfortunate injuries, Most have generated from the same source, his ankle. The left-footed Belgian’s ankle has undergone a number of injuries and surgeries rendering it weaker than usual.
He has played through pain but now that he is north of 30, his career could be drawn to an early closure if he were to suffer more injuries. This is exactly what Tottenham Hotspur are perhaps scared of. Reports are suggesting that Dembele is keen on extending his stay in North London and wants a new three-year contract.
However, Spurs are not particularly keen on such a long term given the player’s age and injury history. However, losing Dembele would be devastating for them in the current team as he is a key member. Tough call ahead for Daniel Levy but it would be wise to keep him in the team anyway.
