Spurs hit the jackpot on “sensational” Nuno signing who’s fast becoming their new Dembele
While the current Tottenham Hotspur team under Ange Postecoglou is enjoying a promising resurgence, many fans still hold a deep admiration for the squad Mauricio Pochettino built during his time at the club — a side widely regarded as the best Spurs have produced in the modern era, even if they fell short when it came to collecting silverware.
Despite not lifting a major trophy, that Pochettino-led team captured the imagination of supporters and neutrals alike with their high-intensity pressing, fluid attacking play, and rock-solid defensive organization. From front to back, the team boasted a lineup filled with exceptional talent — players who, with a bit more fortune, surely deserved at least one or two major honours to show for their efforts.
The devastating attacking duo of Harry Kane and a younger, more explosive Son Heung-min caused havoc for defenders across the Premier League and Europe. At the back, the Belgian pairing of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld formed a nearly impenetrable defensive wall that made life miserable for opposing forwards. Yet, for all the talent and star power in that team, many still argue that the most naturally gifted player in the entire squad was Mousa Dembélé.
Now, there are signs that Ange Postecoglou may be crafting his own version of the iconic Belgian midfielder — a modern-day engine in the middle of the park with shades of Dembélé in his style and presence.
The Mousa Dembélé Era at Spurs
When Tottenham signed Dembélé from Fulham in the summer of 2012 for a modest £15 million, few could have predicted the impact he would go on to have at the club. In hindsight, that transfer now looks like one of the greatest bargains in Spurs history — a truly era-defining acquisition.
Dembélé hit the ground running, scoring on his debut in a 1-1 draw against Norwich City. Over his first season, he registered two goals and five assists in 44 appearances — a respectable return that only hinted at what was to come.
Everything changed when Mauricio Pochettino took over ahead of the 2014-15 season. Under the Argentine manager, Dembélé evolved into one of the most dominant midfielders in Europe. Nicknamed “the monster” by Eric Dier, the Antwerp-born midfielder became renowned for his unrivaled ability to glide past opponents, retain possession under extreme pressure, and dominate physical battles in midfield.
He wasn’t just a destroyer or a passer — he was both, rolled into one. His teammates were in awe of his technical prowess and physical presence. Kyle Walker once described him as “the best player I’ve ever seen play football,” while Harry Kane simply called him “incredible.”
Over the course of his Spurs career, Dembélé made 249 appearances, scored 10 goals, and assisted another 10 — modest numbers that don’t come close to capturing his influence. Sadly, his time in North London came to an end in January 2019, when he moved to the Chinese Super League. Many of his former teammates, including Kieran Trippier, believe his departure that season might have cost Spurs the chance to win the Champions League.
But now, there are whispers of a new name rising through the ranks — someone who might just carry a bit of that same spirit.
Pape Matar Sarr: A New Dembélé in the Making?
To be clear, no one is claiming that Pape Matar Sarr is on the same level as Mousa Dembélé — at least not yet. But in terms of profile, athleticism, and the ability to influence both ends of the pitch, there are definite similarities worth noting.
Sarr arrived at Spurs in 2021 under Nuno Espírito Santo for a fee of around £14.6 million. After spending a season on loan back in France, he returned to North London and began to show glimpses of his vast potential. Still only 22, the Senegalese international has been growing into his role steadily — and now, under Postecoglou’s guidance, he’s starting to flourish.
Like Dembélé, Sarr is a central midfielder with the versatility to drop deeper or push further forward when needed. His dynamic movement, tireless engine, and willingness to cover every blade of grass make him a valuable asset in both attack and defense. While he’s not quite as polished in possession as Dembélé was at his peak, the resemblance in work rate and physicality is striking.
Spurs content creator tehTrunk recently described him as “sensational,” and his performance in the recent clash against Manchester United only reinforced that view. Playing in Bilbao, Sarr delivered a tireless, high-energy performance that earned him a 9/10 rating from Spurs journalist Alasdair Gold, who praised his relentless running and ability to disrupt United’s rhythm in midfield.
Sarr showed the same kind of relentless drive and intelligent positioning that defined Dembélé’s prime years at Tottenham. His capacity to win back possession, launch quick counters, and make intelligent runs into space suggests a player who is only scratching the surface of what he can become.
Looking Ahead
While comparisons to a club legend like Dembélé should always be made cautiously, there’s a growing sense that Pape Matar Sarr could become a key figure in this new-look Spurs side — someone capable of becoming the heartbeat of the midfield as he matures and develops.
With Ange Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy and emphasis on fluid movement and hard pressing, Sarr appears to be the perfect player to thrive in the system. If he can continue to build on his recent performances, refine his composure on the ball, and add a touch more creativity, he could well carve out a legacy of his own at Tottenham.
He may never fully replace Mousa Dembélé in the hearts of Spurs fans — but he just might follow in his footsteps. And in doing so, he could help lead this new Tottenham generation toward the success that eluded Pochettino’s golden era.