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Tottenham Pre-season Notes

By Alexander Balano

Jul 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino talks with his team during training in advance of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino talks with his team during training in advance of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mousa Dembélé

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The 28-year-old midfielder wasn’t much of a starter during the 2014-15 season as Mauricio Pochettino preferred Christian Eriksen as the number ten and the duo of Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason in the double pivot.

So far, against the MLS All-Stars and Real Madrid, the Belgian has found himself as a starter behind Harry Kane at the number ten role. Since becoming the attacking midfielder, he looks very comfortable on the ball and still possess good upper and lower body strength to shield defenders off of the ball, while also staying on his feet when getting past a defender.

With Eriksen — while very creative in his own right — it’s good to see Dembélé starting as his ability to maintain possession is very valuable when playing in the physical Premier League.

It would not be surprising to see him remain as Mauricio Pochettino’s number ten against Manchester United, the Belgian international has proven his worth as a starter after spending most of last season in a backup role.

Next: Dele Alli