Liverpool legend John Barnes believes Tottenham’s Moussa Dembele and Victor Wanyama are most influential players for the Spurs and are the secret to their title hopes.
The north London club are currently second in the league and best the defensive record of all remaining Premier League teams having only conceded 16 goals in 24 games which in part, is down to their rock solid midfield partnership of Dembele and Wanyama.
Usually, defenders and goalkeeper receives the praise for keeping the goals out, and attackers for seeing the net but the defensive performances of club midfield pairing has not gone unnoticed and out-shone their teammates efforts.
‘The top two teams I believe – forget [Eden] Hazard and [Harry] Kane – their most important players are [Nemanja] Matic and [N’Golo] Kante and [Victor] Wanyama and [Mousa] Dembele.’ Barnes told Standard Sport via Squawka News.
‘They shield the back four, provide stability and allow their teams to attack. Dembele can also play in an attacking midfield role – for me he’s a complete footballer.’
Liverpool are without a win in their last five Premier League matches and also losing to Championship side Wolves in the FA Cup now leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side defence more vulnerable. However, the Reds welcome Spurs to Anfield on Saturday evening.
Liverpool who welcomes Spurs at their home are currently the joint highest scorers in the league and with the Pochettino’s side having the tightest defence in the league, it will be interesting to see who’s side comes out on top.