With Dembele and Dier doing so well last season, there were doubts regarding whether Wanyama will get enough playing time this season, however, with such a strong start to his Spurs career, it is unlikely that he will be dropped right now. PHOTO/courtesy
LONDON, United Kingdom, Sep 21 – English Premier League has well and truly taken off, with goals galore week after week, it looks like this title race will go down to the last day.
After 5 matches, Tottenham finds themselves in the 3rd place courtesy to 3 wins and 2 drawn matches. They are still unbeaten; something that Pochettino will be really proud of but unfortunately, the side is still not looking like the lethal force they were last season.
The manager and the board were criticised for their transfer window this summer, although they brought in quality players like Vincent Janssen and Victor Wanyama, many questioned the arrival of Moussa Sissoko. But now the window is over, the Argentine manager must do with what he has right now.
Kenyan midfielder Wanyama is a top quality player, who has a lot of Premier League experience playing for Southampton and even Champions League experience.
Victor Wanyama headed home from close range after Harry Kane’s knock-on.
Indeed he scored in a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in November 2012. On top of that, he captains the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars. The 25-year-old was brought to England by Pochettino himself when he was in charge of the Saints for a fee of Sh5 million (£11 million).
Well, Wanyama could turn out to be the bargain signing of the season. The defensive midfielder was at his best last season averaging 2.3 inceptions and 3.1 tackles per match.
This season while Wanyama has the same number of interception as Dier, the Kenyan is ahead in the number of successful tackles and pass completion rate.
With Dembele and Dier doing so well last season, there were doubts regarding whether Wanyama will get enough playing time this season, however, with such a strong start to his Spurs career, it is unlikely that he will be dropped right now.
Pochettino bought him for the sole purpose of increasing the competition and take away that comfort from Dier and Dembele.
Kenyan international Victor Wanyama celebrating after scoring the winning goal for Tottenham against Crystal Palace. PHOTO/scioperosport.com
The Belgian in particular has had a horrid time with injuries, even his discipline has come under question. With a player like Wanyama in the squad, Pochettino knows that he has a quality cover to call on if needed.
With the added pressure of Champions League this season, Pochettino will require all the depth he can have in his squad.
Wanyama might not be an attack-minded player like Dembele but it was his consistency in shielding the back four that made him one of the first names on the Southampton team sheet last season.
He will give Tottenham that added protection when going up against the big clubs in the Premier League or the Champions League.
He is at his best, there is no reason why Tottenham can’t mount a proper title challenge even this year, especially after their brilliant start to the campaign.
