Mousa Dembele in fine form for Tottenham Hotspur this season

Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele has been a real powerhouse in the Premier League this season.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele has embraced his return to the starting eleven this season, and could well become a key component in the side under Mauricio Pochettino. The Belgian international, 28, was recently recalled to the side following an injury crisis, and has taken his chance with both hands to shine for Spurs.

One of the most powerful players in the Premier League

Now one of the first names on the teamsheet, he’s made nine Premier League appearances for the Lilywhites, and has really started to shine in the last few weeks. Scoring three goals in his last four games in all competitions, Dembele has become a real threat in the final third, as well as finally proving his worth as a deep-lying midfielder. Despite his superior strength, powerful shooting ability and ball retention, Dembele has been short of form in the past, but he’s been superb in 2015/16.

Boasting an 86% dribble success rate for Tottenham, Mousa Dembele has proven to be a difficult player to handle, evident by his solo goal against Aston Villa that saw him run around 30 yards with the ball while in pursuit by a physical centre-back, before finishing coolly between the goalkeeper’s legs. The Belgian international has operated at the heart of the midfield for Tottenham, as well as in an advanced central role, and he’s shown brilliant combative quality to control the middle of the park in either position.

From surplus to success

Averaging a tackle or interception every 13 minutes, Mousa Dembele has been a real all-round threat in the midfield. Few players get the better of him on the pitch, especially in a physical battle, and Pochettino will continue to play him while he impresses in a Tottenham shirt. He’s not the most creative player, often struggling to make the right killer pass in the final third, but Dembele has been a real powerhouse in a key area to give Tottenham more strength in games.

He’s one of the oldest players in the squad, and therefore provides much-needed experienced among a young crop of stars. The likes of Eric Dier and Dele Alli will greatly benefit from having the Belgian alongside them, and his physicality gives Tottenham and extra edge. Dembele has recently revealed how much he’s enjoyed being back in the side this season, and it’s clear that he’s enjoying his football again.

The powerful midfielder looked to be one of players deemed surplus to requirements in the summer as it didn’t seem he fit his manager’s philosophy, but now Dembele is back in form and an important player for Tottenham Hotspur.