Spurs hit the jackpot on “sensational” Nuno signing who’s becoming their new Dembele

When reflecting on Tottenham Hotspur’s modern golden era, Mauricio Pochettino’s side stands out as the pinnacle of the club’s recent history. A team brimming with world-class talent—Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Jan Vertonghen, and Toby Alderweireld—dominated opponents with flair and intensity, yet somehow fell just short of the silverware their performances deserved.

Among these stars, one player operated in a class of his own: Mousa Dembélé, the midfield colossus whose blend of power, grace, and technical mastery made him the heartbeat of that Spurs side.

Fast forward to today, and Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham may have already secured a trophy—something Pochettino’s team couldn’t quite achieve—but they are still searching for that same midfield dominance.

However, in 22-year-old Pape Matar Sarr, there are early signs that Spurs might have unearthed a player capable of evolving into a modern-day version of Dembélé.

Dembélé’s Legacy: The Unstoppable Force

Signed from Fulham in 2012 for a mere £15 million—a fee that now looks like daylight robbery—Dembélé quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders.

Under Pochettino, he transformed into an unplayable force, a player who could glide past opponents with ease, shield the ball like a seasoned defender, and dictate the tempo of games without breaking a sweat.

His former teammates still speak about him in reverential tones. Eric Dier called him a “monster,” Kyle Walker labeled him “the best player I’ve ever seen,” and Harry Kane simply described him as “incredible.”

Dembélé’s ability to retain possession under pressure was almost supernatural, and his defensive work rate made him the ultimate two-way midfielder. Over 249 appearances, he became the glue that held Spurs together—even if his modest goal contributions (10 goals, 10 assists) didn’t fully reflect his influence.

Enter Pape Matar Sarr: The Emerging Protégé

While no one is suggesting Sarr has reached Dembélé’s level—that would be premature—there are undeniable parallels in their playing styles. Signed from Metz in 2021 for £14.6 million, the Senegalese international spent his first season on loan before gradually integrating into Postecoglou’s setup.

Like Dembélé, he is a box-to-box midfielder with the versatility to play as a No. 6, No. 8, or even in advanced roles when needed.

Sarr’s performance in Tottenham’s recent victory over Manchester United showcased exactly why he’s drawing comparisons. His relentless energy, ability to break up play, and willingness to drive forward mirrored Dembélé’s all-action approach.

Spurs writer Alasdair Gold awarded him a 9/10 match rating, praising his “constantly running display” and effectiveness in disrupting United’s rhythm.

Similarities—But Still a Long Way to Go

The most striking resemblance between the two lies in their physicality and ball retention. Dembélé was famously impossible to dispossess, using his low center of gravity and strength to shield the ball effortlessly.

Sarr, while not yet as refined, has shown flashes of the same composure in tight spaces. His defensive awareness and ability to cover ground quickly also echo Dembélé’s underrated defensive contributions.

That said, Sarr still has areas to improve. His passing range isn’t as expansive as Dembélé’s was, and he occasionally lacks the Belgian’s effortless dribbling ability.

However, at just 22, he has time to develop those aspects of his game. If he continues on his current trajectory, there’s no reason he can’t become a similarly indispensable figure in Tottenham’s midfield.

Could Sarr Reach Dembélé’s Heights?

It’s too early to say whether Sarr will ever match Dembélé’s legendary status at Spurs, but the potential is there. The Senegalese international has already demonstrated the work ethic, tactical intelligence, and physical attributes needed to thrive in a high-intensity system. Under Postecoglou’s guidance—a manager known for developing young talent—he could blossom into one of the league’s most complete midfielders.

Dembélé’s departure in 2019 left a void that Tottenham have struggled to fill. While Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Yves Bissouma have all had their moments, none have replicated the Belgian’s unique skill set. Sarr, however, offers something different—a player who could, in time, become the heartbeat of a new-look Spurs side chasing trophies.

A New Era in Tottenham’s Midfield

Tottenham fans will always hold Dembélé in the highest regard, and rightly so. He was a once-in-a-generation midfielder who elevated those around him. But football moves forward, and in Pape Matar Sarr, Spurs may have found a player capable of carrying that torch.

Whether he reaches those heights remains to be seen, but the early signs are promising. If he continues to develop at this rate, Postecoglou might just have his own version of Mousa Dembélé—a midfield powerhouse capable of driving Tottenham to new successes.