Missing Nabil

When did I first realise that I loved Nabil Bentaleb? Was it love at first sight when the then 19 year old made debut as a substitute against Southampton providing some calm amongst the first days of Tim Sherwood’s chaotic reign? Was during it his first start against Woolwich when he stamped on Nacho Monreal? No, for me the moment I knew I loved Bentaleb was a few days later on his full Premier League debut against Crystal Palace. A ridiculously nonchalant exchange of backheel passes with Mousa Dembele confirmed that Nabil was the one for me.

For a player described as a holding midfielder whose best attribute is his pass retention Bentaleb has a surprising amount of highlights in his fledgling career. In a dominant team performance Bentaleb capped a brilliant all round display against Newcastle with his first goal in a 4-0 win. Having acquired a taste for Magpie the previous season Bentaleb gave another string-pulling, man of the match performance in Newcastle’s 3-1 defeat. An end of season injury crisis forced Bentaleb into the wholly unfamiliar role of left-back against Everton where excelled again including one particular piece of control and strength that any player would be proud of.

Arguably Bentaleb’s best performance to date was against Woolwich in the 2-1 victory in February. Although Harry Kane grabbed the headlines with a glorious brace it was arguably Bentaleb who was the star performer on the day. A constant nuisance pressing the Woolwich midfield which restricted their ability to create chances coupled with an excellent range of sensible passes. This display was topped by an inch-perfect deep cross which connected with Kane’s head for the winner.

[linequote]On his full Premier League debut against Crystal Palace, a ridiculously nonchalant exchange of backheel passes with Mousa Dembele confirmed that Nabil was the one for me[/linequote]

By the end of last season I was fully committed. I loved Nabil. He was my favourite player since Rafael van der Vaart. From both players what I loved was their mix of passion and ability, the professional attitude and swagger of knowing that they are a top player. I’ve missed Nabil these past few months. I’ve missed his passing. I’ve missed his trickery. I’ve missed his attitude. I’ve missed Nabil, but it appears Spurs haven’t.

For all of Bentaleb’s promise under Maurico Pochettino the midfield of 2014/15 was a clearly flawed one. The favoured double pivot of Bentaleb and Ryan Mason playing the majority of games in the second half of season what became clear was that this pairing leaked chances like a colander. The combination of Bentaleb’s inexperience and Mason’s laissez faire attitude to tracking runners seemed to be an area where Spurs clearly needed an upgrade. Mason received the lions share of the blame for the midfield’s flaws and with Bentaleb’s superior technique, awareness and comparative youth it seemed that he was the one from the pair who warranted persistence. So whilst many assumed Pochettino would be seeking a new central midfielder it was Mason who seemed most likely would drop to a squad role. This was reflected in what was reported to be a hefty new contract for Bentaleb after protracted negotiations finally being signed in the summer.

Pochettino sprang a surprise in at the season by sourcing a new partner for Bentaleb by moving Eric Dier from defence and installing him at the base of the midfield. The opening fixture against Manchester United saw Dier and Bentaleb line up in midfield and Spurs start brightly before a hospital pass from Bentaleb carved Spurs wide open and Kyle Walker was forced into an own goal. This visibly drained Bentaleb of all confidence and he had a complete mare and was hooked just after half-time. Bentaleb found himself on the bench for the next pair of fixtures before a recall and an excellent performance versus Everton.

A training ground injury followed by another injury on international duty for Algeria means that Bentaleb has failed to play for Spurs since. In his absence it seemed probable that with Spurs’ options being limited to Mason, Dembele, Dier and Dele Alli there would be troubled waters ahead. And yet this midfield has blossomed and the team find themselves on a 14 game undefeated streak in the Premier League and comfortably progressed in Europe.

[linequote]This is the second real test of Bentaleb’s young career after performing so well to establish himself in the first team he now has to fight his way back in[/linequote]

Bentaleb, a player who many cited as among Spurs most important and arguably most talented player, now faces a real challenge to get back in the side. Alli’s ability to offer support Kane and implement Pochettino’s press has been a key feature of the recent run whilst Dembele has transformed from a figure of frustration to a machine in the middle of the park. Neither deserves to be dropped on their recent run of form.

Fortunately for Bentaleb his delayed return should now come during the Christmas where fixture congestion affords rotation and chances. Whether it’s replacing Dier as the more holding of the central midfield pivot or alongside him as a more attacking force Bentaleb will need to quickly showcase his talents as he frequently did last season. Another thing in Bentaleb’s favour is his ability to slow dictate tempo more effectively than any of his competition. Where games need to be killed off this may be a good use of Bentaleb’s skill set as he is eased back into the fold.

Ultimately this is the second real test of Bentaleb’s young career after performing so well to establish himself in the first team he now has to fight his way back in. I personally can’t wait to see him back.