Don’t Squeeze the Deuce and the Myth of Mousa

It was a game that Spurs needed to win, but even more importantly, they couldn’t afford to lose. West Bromwich Albion’s usual end of season surrender to Arsenal had amplified the tension in the ground, but for once Spurs didn’t crumble, they were merely unlucky. Everton arrived with a game plan, something along the lines of sitting back, focusing on set pieces and keeping their fingers crossed for a bit of luck, it nearly worked.

Tottenham dominated possession but as the game wore on two individuals kept catching my attention. Both were late summer signings, one I agreed with the other I didn’t and still don’t.

Don’t Squeeze the Deuce

It’s quite startling how many times Spurs have taken the plunge on players who for smaller clubs have blossomed, yet at White Hart Lane crumbled under the pressure and expectation.

At Fulham Clint “The Deuce” Dempsey was talismanic, a totem pole of an attacking midfielder/striker who inspired the small south-west London club to a succession of top half finishes and even an Europa League final. The American could score with his head, from close range or from distance, this influential figure has yet to demonstrate any of his Fulham qualities in North London.

The part-time rapper may have scored some crucial tap-ins this season, but for a team that has designs on the top tier positions, Dempsey needs to be contributing more. Part of the reason for his inability to shine for Tottenham has been the way in which the opposition continue to line up against his new team. The opposition, regardless of who they are arrive at White Hart Lane, or prepare for a home game, with the sole intention of stopping Spurs from playing.

Teams sit deep, pack the midfield and press the ball only when it comes into their own half. Very few teams that visit the Lane are brave/stupid enough to attempt to win the ball from our central defenders by playing a high line. The vast majority are happy to wait until it approaches their area. This is a new experience for the American and one he has failed to adapt to.

When playing for Fulham and the USA , Dempsey’s team have generally been the underdog, or when they have been viewed as top dogs, it has been against far weaker and less tactical opposition. In these games Dempsey was/is afforded the time and space his direct game thrives on, at Spurs he is hamstrung by having to work in ever reducing gaps between the midfield and defence. In tight positions, if your technique isn’t up to scratch you will be found out.

On Sunday Dempsey’s technique once again failed him. The American was unable to control the ball in tight situations and retain possession. When he did control the ball, he was slow to lift his head and pass the ball on at speed and from distance his shooting was nothing more than hit and hope.

Its unfair to compare him to Rafa Van der Vaart but there is no doubt in my mind, that the one time the Deuce had space for a shot, had that been the Dutchman we would have been celebrating. Of course we all have to move on, teams change, players leave etc, but the fundamental principle of quality doesn’t.

If you sell a good player, you must purchase an adequate replacement. There is no point in dumping Natalie Portman and then asking out Sonia from Eastenders.

Dempsey is fundamentally not good enough. This isn’t personal; it’s just a simple fact of football. His yellow card for simulation summed up his game perfectly; he is a player pretending to be something he isn’t.

The Myth of Mousa

When the fourth official signalled the end of Mousa’s game the majority of White Hart Lane questioned Andre Villas Boas tactics and managerial ability. Tom Huddlestone has hardly covered himself in glory in the last 18 months, but for me it was smart move.

I like Dembele, I love his confidence on the ball, the way he tackles back and his ability to glide through challenges, but without doubt he was continually slowing the game down on Sunday.

Unlike Parker whose multiple 360 spins visibly slow the teams progression up the field, Dembele’s reluctance to switch the play, especially on his right foot, forces him to duck back inside, re-take on an already beaten opponent before releasing the ball. Huddlestone is the opposite and his distribution was a key factor in the game swinging back Tottenham’s way.

Dembele is a quality player, but he must alter his game. As with comparing Dempsey to VDV it is unfair to compare the Belgian with Luka Modric, but he could replicate what made the Croat such a key player for Spurs. Modric was naturally aware when to dribble, when to pass, when to hold, Dembele must start doing the same especially against teams predisposed to sit and hit on the counter like Everton.

The Belgian remains a class player and one who has a bright future at Spurs, but he must start delivering more than the odd piece of skill and shoulder barge.