China-bound Mousa Dembele is one of the ‘genius’ players Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has worked with, along with Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho

China-bound Mousa Dembele is one of the ‘genius’ players Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has worked with, along with Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho
After nearly seven years, Mousa Dembele’s time as a Tottenham player is over.The 31-year-old midfielder is heading to Chinese side Guangzhou R&F, with Spurs deciding to cash in on the popular Belgian, whohas suffered with injury since joining from Fulham in 2012.2

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is a big fan of Mousa Dembele’s talent

If he does leave, after250 appearances and 10 goals, an entire fanbase will be saddened, as will Mauricio Pochettino who thinks he is one of the five most naturally gifted players he has ever worked with.When Dembele ran, the ball appeared glued to his feet, his strength meant not many could get it off him and his skill allowed him to glide past opponents with ease.“I always tell him, ‘Mousa, when I write a book, you’ll be one of my genius players I have been lucky to meet,'” Pochettino said in April 2017 and repeated in the book, Brave New World. “One was [Diego] Maradona, then Ronaldinho, [Jay-Jay] Okocha and [Ivan] De La Pena. He is a genius too, Mousa Dembele. We always told him, ‘If we had taken you at 18 or 19 years old, you would have become one of the best players in the world.’ I would have loved to have taken him on at 18.”But it’s not just his boss who was often left in awe. Ask any of his team-mates and they’ll tell you Dembele is the standout player.Hes a freak of nature. Physically, hes a monster but hes got ballerina feet, Eric Dier once said.2

Dembele ran things against Italian champions Juventus

And last season, when Dembele was dominating the midfield again, such as in the 2-2 draw with Juventus in the Champions League,Pochettino reiterated his belief.I think for me is one of the unbelievable talents in the history of football.“Of course always for him it was difficult to get fit, he always fits with his fitness. But now he is in an amazing moment and for me he deserves all the praises that people are giving him.The Chinese Super League represents a less physically demanding challenge for Dembele, while it also allows Tottenham to recoup some money considering he would have been available for free in the summer.

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Tottenham Hotspur - 1/6. Chelsea - 5/6. Arsenal - EVENS. Manchester United - 13/5. Read More. Mauricio Pochettino names the two characteristics that can help Spurs win the top-four battle Keep up to date with the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service.

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