‘Never replaced’: Tim Sherwood says he doesn’t understand why Tottenham sold the player under Pochettino
‘Never replaced’: Tim Sherwood says he doesn’t understand why Tottenham sold the player under Pochettino Tim Sherwood has suggested Tottenham Hotspur never managed to replace Mousa Dembele, as he named the Belgian in a Premier League-era Spurs XI.Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Sherwood admitted he didn’t understand why Spurs sold the 36-year-old in 2019.
Mousa Dembele certainly has every reason to be considered one of the most underrated midfielders of the Premier League era. He arrived from Fulham and made 250 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions.Of course, he played a crucial role in Tottenham’s development into a Premier League title contender. And he was part of the team that reached the Champions League final a few months after his departure.Sherwood believes Tottenham never managed to replace DembeleHis style of play meant that he never really received the recognition he probably deserved. And it’s probably fair to say that Tottenham have never been stronger in the middle of the park since their move.Certainly, Sherwood has hinted that he should be included in Tottenham’s all-time best XI in the Premier League.“I’m aiming for a six, a sitting midfielder. For me, I just think this guy has never been replaced at the club. Qualities that he had and that the wingers didn’t see, but dividing the game, the central defenders gave him the ball and he protected it and sent it to the assistants, Mousa Dembele. One of the best,” he told No Tippy Tappy Football.
“I don’t know,” he added when asked why Tottenham sold him. “Many other players tried to fill the void. And in my opinion they never succeeded.”There could be a better future for the SpursIt must be said that Dembélé’s career seemed to be in decline when he left. He spent the rest of his career in China. And he had been out injured for the last few months as a Tottenham player.Probably the big mistake was not having lined up his replacement. Dembele’s departure left a big hole in his side. And, as Sherwood suggests, no one could have replaced him.The good news is that early signs indicate that Tottenham have now built an excellent partnership in midfield.Yves Bissouma has been incredible so far this season. Meanwhile Pape Matar Sarr appears to have a huge ceiling.Perhaps one day the two will start a conversation when Tottenham fans discuss the all-time Premier League XIs in the future.