Under Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham Hotspur experienced their most significant Premier League title challenges in recent memory. While his premier squad may not have matched Ange Postecoglou`s current side in terms of trophy success (yet), it was undeniably packed with exceptionally gifted footballers.
The contributions of stars like Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, and a young Son Heung-min were widely celebrated beyond the club`s fanbase, and rightly so. However, those loyal to the Lilywhites recognize the equally vital role played by Mousa Dembélé in that standout team.
The Belgian was an absolutely phenomenal central midfielder. Consequently, Tottenham supporters should be encouraged by recent speculation linking the club to a young talent who reportedly mirrors some of the retired player`s impressive attributes.
Potential Midfield Signings for Spurs
Before discussing the primary target, it`s worth acknowledging other central midfielders recently connected with a move to Spurs, including Quinten Timber and Angel Gomes.
Quinten Timber, the brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber and captain of Feyenoord, is reportedly valued at £25m. His ability to play effectively in attacking, central, and defensive midfield positions makes him a potentially versatile addition to the squad.
Similarly, Angel Gomes could be a fantastic free transfer acquisition. His contract with LOSC Lille expires this month, making him available without a fee. At just 24, he already has considerable experience, including national team appearances, Champions League football, and playing in top leagues across Portugal, France, and England.
However, unlike Adam Wharton, neither of these international players is commonly described as sharing characteristics with Dembélé.
According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Crystal Palace star has emerged as a serious target for the North London club.
The report suggests that strengthening central midfield is a key priority for Tottenham this season, and the young Englishman is reportedly high on their recruitment list.
Acquiring Wharton won`t be simple, though, as Crystal Palace is reportedly seeking over £60m for the talented midfielder. Even at that price, his existing ability and significant potential might make him a worthwhile investment for Spurs, particularly given the aspects of his game that resemble Dembélé`s style.
Wharton`s Parallels with Dembélé
Let`s be clear from the outset: we are not suggesting Wharton is currently performing at the level Dembélé reached during his peak at Spurs. That comparison would be premature and unfair.
Nevertheless, considering Wharton`s age – he is only 21 until midway through next season – it`s not unreasonable to think he could eventually reach a similar standard, especially given some notable similarities between the two players.
The most significant similarity, perhaps, is the Palace midfielder`s exceptional skill in rarely losing possession.
According to FBref statistics, the player, labelled `generational` by some media outlets, ranks among the top 60% of midfielders in Europe`s top five leagues for the fewest times dispossessed. He loses the ball only 0.89 times per 90 minutes, which is less than once a game.
His performance in the FA Cup final against Manchester City provided a prime example of this. While winning duels, making tackles, and delivering accurate passes, he also demonstrated brilliant ball retention despite the intense pressing tactics employed by Pep Guardiola`s team.
This ability to maintain possession under pressure was one of Dembélé`s most celebrated strengths, and it appears the young Englishman possesses this quality in spades.
Beyond this key attribute, there are more superficial parallels, such as both players joining from London-based clubs (Dembélé arrived from Fulham) and their shared versatility to play in either central or defensive midfield roles.
Wharton`s senior career stats via Transfermarkt:
| Team | Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackburn | 51 | 3571` | 4 | 5 |
| Palace | 43 | 3011` | 0 | 5 |
Ultimately, despite the considerable asking price, Spurs should make every effort to sign Wharton this summer. He displays the fundamental skills and possesses the potential to become a player who could potentially emulate the impact of Mousa Dembélé at the club.
