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Tottenham player review: Victor Wanyama

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at White Hart Lane on May 14, 2017 in London, England. Tottenham Hotspur are playing their last ever home match at White Hart Lane after their 118 year stay at the stadium. Spurs will play at Wembley Stadium next season with a move to a newly built stadium for the 2018-19 campaign. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his sides first goal with Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at White Hart Lane on May 14, 2017 in London, England. Tottenham Hotspur are playing their last ever home match at White Hart Lane after their 118 year stay at the stadium. Spurs will play at Wembley Stadium next season with a move to a newly built stadium for the 2018-19 campaign. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Victor Wanyama’s influence on Spurs since his arrival from Southampton cannot be overstated, his contribution an integral factor in Tottenham’s second-place finish. 

Wanyama’s role

Wanyama protects Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld like he was born to do it, his physical prowess and capacity to chase players down almost unrivalled in the Premier League.

Usually partnered by Mousa Dembele in central midfield, the two pillars of strength complement each other superbly. Wanyama is also accustomed to playing beside Eric Dier. While the two play a strikingly similar stye, they have found a way to coexist comfortably when required.

Dembele missed eight games during the 2016-17 season through suspension and injury. He plays in a more advanced role than Dembele, who knows he has the freedom to maraud forward as his Kenyan counterpart offers reliable cover.

Wanyama’s success, though, doesn’t depend on Dembele’s presence. Wanyama only lost one game – the 1-0 defeat away to West Ham in the latter stages of the season – in his partner’s absence.

Spurs other three losses came with Dembele and Wanyama playing together.

Tottenham are afforded the luxury to press so high thanks to the security and stability Wanyama provides. Forced to play it long or try finagle their way out of the back under duress, opposing teams are all to aware that Wanyama will be poised and perfectly positioned to anticipate, cover and interject.

Wanyama’s statistical contribution

Wanyama successfully made 90 tackles, the ninth most in the top flight. He won almost seven duels each game and chipped in with four goals and an assist, most of which coming at the tail end of the season.

The Kenyan workhorse is the complete package. His work rate is otherworldly and Wanyama, other than missing two games due to a slight knock on his back suffered away to Crystal Palace, played every game for Spurs.

The Kenyan international rarely dwells in possession, almost never giving the ball away. Even more encouragingly for Spurs, he’s only 25 years old. Defensive midfielders don’t peak until their late 20s. That’s a scary proposition for everyone but Tottenham.

Best signing in the Premier League

Wanyama is by far the best signing of the season in the Premier League, especially in terms of expenditure. He cost Spurs £11 million, a drop in the ocean in today’s exorbitant transfer market. The Toffees spent £7.1 million on Idrissa Gana, while the Saints purchased Manolo Gabbiadini for £14.6 million, the only other comparable bang-for-buck signings.

Next: Pochettino the pragmatist

Tottenham spent what is tantamount to pocket money on a player who’s had a sparkling, invaluable influence in North London. Not a bad bit of business.

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