Rolls Royce Mousa Dembele shows his class despite Tottenham exit nearing

  • Mousa Dembele made his fifth consecutive start for Tottenham at Brighton 
  • He looked to be back on form in midfield as Spurs registered an important win
  • Chinese Super League side Beijing Sinobo Guoan may move for him in January 

If Mousa Dembele is indeed set to quit the Premier League for one last payday in China, then Tottenham are certainly squeezing all they can get out of their midfielder.

The 31-year-old's current contract expires at the end of this season and a January sale beckons, though Mauricio Pochettino handed him his fifth successive start on Saturday.

Such a workload for a player of his age would take its toll over a season. Yet while Pochettino still has his services, he is making use of the man he has labelled a 'genius' in the past.

Mousa Dembele offered a reminder of his qualities against Brighton as Tottenham won 2-1

Mousa Dembele offered a reminder of his qualities against Brighton as Tottenham won 2-1

What Dembele does tends to go unnoticed. In fact, that has long been a trait of the typical holding midfielder.


At the Amex, Dembele did Dembele things. He showed his strength in individual battles against Brighton's sluggers, he protected possession, he offered the back four an out-ball.

At times, he appeared to be Tottenham's version of an NFL quarterback. He would have the ball and, with his pick of players ahead of him, find his target by lumping it long.

On his day, Dembele can be like a Rolls Royce in midfield. Powerful and classy, it is all about finding that rhythm. The question over the last few weeks has been whether he can still handle the rigours of the English game.

The Belgium midfielder could be set to depart Tottenham in January for a payday in China

The Belgium midfielder could be set to depart Tottenham in January for a payday in China

It looked absent in the defeats against Liverpool and Inter Milan over the last week, though he struck a good balance against Brighton. This was not vintage Tottenham, though their midfield looked stronger with him in it.

Dembele has had his injury issues, including a foot problem that has perpetually held him back.

As a result, the word on the football beat is that Chinese Super League side Beijing Sinobo Guoan are prepared to take him off Tottenham's hands.

They are willing to pay him close to £200,000 per week, while the north London club could receive up to £10million for letting him leave in January.

After a series of defeats, Pochettino needed this win. His players delivered a much-needed victory and Dembele was their protector. 

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino selected Dembele for a fifth consecutive start in midfield

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino selected Dembele for a fifth consecutive start in midfield

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.