Mousa Dembele is likely going to leave Tottenham this summer, but one of Mauricio Pochettino’s defensive midfielders is set to stay.
No rational Spurs fan can argue that Victor Wanyama didn’t struggle mightily for Tottenham this season. Injuries clearly had a negative effect on the Kenyan international. Those struggles, however, don’t mean that he is headed out of North London this summer.
On the contrary, Wanyama insists that he’s very happy with life and Tottenham and remains “very committed” to the club. His apparent desire to stay gives Spurs the chance to avoid a total upheaval in their defensive midfield. Longtime stalwart Mousa Dembele is almost certainly going to leave for greener pastures this summer.
Assuming Pochettino wants him to stay, Wanyama should be in a good spot to regain his spot in the starting XI next season. He is the club’s only true defensive midfielder. Eric Dier can also thrive in that role, but it remains unclear as to whether or not his future will lie in the midfield or the back four. Toby Alderweireld’s possible summer departure could play a hand in his future as well.
Victor Wanyama on rumours of leaving Tottenham Hotspur: "I am happy at Tottenham and I am committed to the team. I am not aware of anything and I am very fine and happy where I am." #THFC pic.twitter.com/HfNBdUYQzd
— Daily Hotspur (@Daily_Hotspur) May 23, 2018
The real question remains what sort of partner Pochettino might purchase to play alongside Wanyama and/or Dier. At times the club really struggled to attack opponents when they chose to sit back in a conservative fashion. Playing a more creative midfielder in the double-pivot alongside Wanyama could ease the pressure on Tottenham’s attacking midfielders to break down the opposing defense.
As a result, look for Spurs to try to find a more dynamic player to deploy next to Wanyama. In particular, Pochettino could really benefit from signing a midfielder who is willing to make runs from a deep-lying position. That, and an increased passing range from the defensive midfield could rejuvenate Tottenham’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
Next: Tottenham set for transfer battle with Everton
The good news for Spurs fans is that Wanyama wants to stay. After his disappointing season it was easy to envision a summer departure. It seems that the talented Kenyan is happy to stay and fight for his place next season. That’s a very good thing for Tottenham.