Snarfalicious
Well-Known Member
- Jul 15, 2012
- 15,735
- 72,137
As I'm sure many have you have already seen, there have been recent reports linking Mousa Dembele with a move away from White Hart Lane as soon as January.
In a recent article a quote of Dembele appeared stating his dissatisfaction with the current makeup of the midfield that has seen him feature much less than last season.
Now, I understand Dembele has his shortcomings. He struggles with the final ball, he can blow hot and cold at times and I know we all wish he could show some better ability to strike the ball as he undoubtedly owns a powerful shot.
But Dembele presents us with a truly different skillset in midfield. Capable of tracking back and dispossessing opponents on a counter, he can boss the midfield alone with his ability to dance/dribble with ease around opponents and while he struggles with locating the final ball inside the box, his passing accuracy just about anywhere else on the pitch is of true value to the side as we continue to focus on a possession-based approach.
I would be livid if we sold Dembele in January by choice. I understand players can force their way out (See: Modric/Bale), but if we have any say in the matter, he should be here for the end of the season and for seasons to come.
For me, if I'm AVB I make a point to heavily rotate Dembele and Paulinho. I think they can work interchangeably as a starter/sub. For instance, having Dembele boss the midfield with a DM like Capoue/Sandro and should we find ourselves chasing a goal late, bring on Paulinho for more offensive force. In matches against lesser opponents, start Paulinho and hope that it results in a lead to which Dembele can be subbed on to see the match out with his better possession skillset.
In a recent article a quote of Dembele appeared stating his dissatisfaction with the current makeup of the midfield that has seen him feature much less than last season.
Now, I understand Dembele has his shortcomings. He struggles with the final ball, he can blow hot and cold at times and I know we all wish he could show some better ability to strike the ball as he undoubtedly owns a powerful shot.
But Dembele presents us with a truly different skillset in midfield. Capable of tracking back and dispossessing opponents on a counter, he can boss the midfield alone with his ability to dance/dribble with ease around opponents and while he struggles with locating the final ball inside the box, his passing accuracy just about anywhere else on the pitch is of true value to the side as we continue to focus on a possession-based approach.
I would be livid if we sold Dembele in January by choice. I understand players can force their way out (See: Modric/Bale), but if we have any say in the matter, he should be here for the end of the season and for seasons to come.
For me, if I'm AVB I make a point to heavily rotate Dembele and Paulinho. I think they can work interchangeably as a starter/sub. For instance, having Dembele boss the midfield with a DM like Capoue/Sandro and should we find ourselves chasing a goal late, bring on Paulinho for more offensive force. In matches against lesser opponents, start Paulinho and hope that it results in a lead to which Dembele can be subbed on to see the match out with his better possession skillset.
