After Tottenham’s impressive rally to salvage a fantastic 2-2 draw against Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday in Turin, Italy, many of the plaudits went to Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen. The two goal scorers were no doubt vital, but much of what Spurs accomplished after the horror-show opening 10 minutes was thanks to Mousa Dembélé.
Mousa Dembele vs Juventus was immense. He was Tottenham’s engine in midfield, protecting the back line and marshaling the troops forward, occasionally even stepping up as playmaker. He allowed Hotspurs to withstand the Bianconeri’s defensive pressure and maintain 67 percent possession while playing in Allianz Stadium, the fortress of the Italian champions.
The Belgian, now in his sixth season with Hotspurs, is Tottenham’s 16th most valuable asset according to Transfermarkt.com, but this highlight video of Mousa Dembele vs Juventus shows how valuable he really is for coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Mousa Dembélé vs. Juventus.
Cool as the other side of the pillow. pic.twitter.com/rwecORVgA6— BTL Comps (@BTLComps) February 13, 2018
Dembélé looked more like Sergio Busquets bossing midfield than a man making just his second start in the Champions League this season. But the highlight for Mousa Dembele vs Juventus was this little piece of skill that may or may not have broken Sami Khedira’s ankles.
Dembélé finished the Juventus match with 116 touches, 99 passes, 95 percent pass accuracy, four tackles, two chances created and one interception. He had more touches, passes and tackles than any other Spurs player.
Dembélé hasn’t exactly been the first man named to Pochettino’s team sheet during his time in North London, but the 30-year-old midfielder has been proving his value in the past six weeks. Dembélé has gone at least 79 minutes in 16 matches this season — eight of those have come since the start of the new year.
Most recently, Dembélé was vital to holding off Arsenal to help Tottenham to a 1-0 win in the North London Derby on Saturday. Against the Gunners he had 97 percent pass accuracy, 100 percent in take-ons completed and tackles won and eight ball recoveries.
Mousa Dembélé has been vital for Tottenham lately. Photo: @SpursStatMan | Twitter
The Old Lady makes its way to Wembley on March 7. Assuming he’s healthy, both teams will want to keep an eye on Mousa Dembele vs Juventus as he could be the man to determine who advances and who goes home in the Champions League Round of 16.
The18 Recommends For You
