Tottenham Hotspur may not be the most decorated club in the Premier League, but they have been home to some exceptional players over the years.

From Gareth Bale to Luka Modric, many stars have passed through North London, going on to shine on bigger stages after making their mark at Tottenham.

Despite the lack of silverware, the club has consistently produced or nurtured top-tier talent that leaves a lasting impression.

One of the most memorable eras for Spurs was under Mauricio Pochettino, whose team garnered widespread praise for their style of play.

They came close to achieving Premier League glory and reached the UEFA Champions League final, marking a high point in the club’s modern history.

However, one player from that squad stands out not only for his ability but for being widely considered underappreciated by the broader football community.

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger is one of many to highlight the overlooked brilliance of Mousa Dembele, a player who, according to Rudiger, deserved to play for a “bigger” club given his immense talent.

Speaking on The Inside Scoop Podcast, Rudiger expressed his admiration, recalling how Dembele’s strength and technique set him apart as one of the best midfielders he had ever seen.

Rudiger noted how Dembele could hold off two defenders with ease, always composed under pressure, making him one of the most reliable players on the pitch.

Dembele, who played 250 games for Tottenham between 2012 and 2019, had a style that blended power with finesse.

His ability to carry the ball through midfield was unmatched, making him a crucial part of Tottenham’s build-up play.

Many Spurs fans and pundits alike hailed Dembele as one of the Premier League’s finest midfielders during his prime, marveling at his ability to dominate opponents with both physicality and technical prowess.

His skill set allowed him to seamlessly switch between various roles in midfield, contributing not just defensively but also creatively.

Even though Dembele was a key player for both Tottenham and the Belgian national team, his career didn’t receive the same level of recognition as some of his peers.

This could be due to his low goal-scoring output or his often understated contributions on the pitch. Nevertheless, those who watched him closely, especially his teammates and opponents, understand just how important he was in dictating the tempo and controlling the midfield.

His presence often made Spurs a tougher team to break down and more fluid in their attack.

In January 2019, Dembele was sold to Guangzhou R&F in the Chinese Super League for a fee of around £11 million. He spent three years in China before retiring from professional football in 2022.

Although his move to China marked the end of his time in top-flight European football, his legacy at Tottenham remains intact.

Fans still speak of him with reverence, and his impact on the club during those seven years continues to be felt.

Mousa Dembele may not have racked up trophies or individual accolades like some of his contemporaries, but his influence at Tottenham and in the Premier League should not be underestimated.

His combination of strength, technique, and calmness under pressure made him a unique player, one that was crucial to the success of Pochettino’s Spurs side.

As Rudiger aptly put it, Dembele was “like a wall” on the pitch, and those who played with or against him will not forget his talents anytime soon.

‘Wow’: Antonio Rudiger says £11M ace Tottenham sold is the most underrated player he’s seen

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