Time Has Come for Tottenham to Cut Losses on Wasted Talent Mousa Dembele

It is time for Tottenham to move on from Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembele. 

Dembele arrived at Spurs in 2012 as the first signing of the Andre Villas-Boas era. 

Tottenham's website described Dembele's development at Fulham. "Dembele originally joined as a forward, although his ability to drive forward with the ball and his eye for a pass saw him played in an attacking midfield role last season, a move that proved a huge success."

Spurs expected Dembele's move across London to be equally successful. Initially, Dembele seemed an inspired signing. His debut goal against Norwich showed the energy, determination and skill the Belgian was supposed to bring to Tottenham's midfield. 

Throughout that first season he was broadly successful. He helped create a stable midfield alongside the more rugged Sandro or Scott Parker that was able to keep hold of games and allow Gareth Bale the time to win them himself. 

Several appearances, notably at home to Liverpool, gave reason to think Spurs had found the midfield drive to take them to the next level. 

Unfortunately, Dembele was still suffering the effects of a hip injury he had suffered while at Fulham. It forced him to miss Spurs' home defeat to Chelsea after which AVB bemoaned his absence, stating "top players are missed."

It is difficult to remember Dembele as the influential player he then was rather than the constant source of frustration that he has become. 

The source of that frustration lies in his descent from top quality Premier League midfielder to a player that looks out of place in Tottenham's reserve lineup in Istanbul. 

At halftime in Spurs' defeat to Besiktas, ex-Tottenham coach Les Ferdinand suggested on ITV (h/t London Evening Standard) that Dembele had the talent to play for Real Madrid. 

"He’s got great ability, yet you just don't see enough of it. He leaves you frustrated because you know he's got more and you want to see it. He can get forward. He's got a great shot on him but you just never see it."

Gordon Strachan echoed Ferdinand's comments on the same programme (via the Daily Mail), saying "The game looks like it's so easy for him. He's big and strong, he's got everything."

Every Spurs fan can understand this sentiment. Dembele shows glimpses, even now, of his undeniable talent. 

His most recent appearance, a typical performance produced compelling statistics but little genuine quality. He made 91 touches, completing 89 percent of his passes and creating two chances, per Squawka. Unfortunately, those numbers don't paint a full picture. 

"

I know Dembele likes to wait for a tackle & then evade it, but he's been too risky in possession so far. Dispossessed 4 times already.

— Chris Miller (@WindyCOYS) December 11, 2014"

Dembele's frustrating predilection for taking unnecessary risks combined with his tendency to slow down with sideways passing makes him a weak point in Spurs' midfield. 

Counter-attacks are vital to Spurs' attacking threat, limited though it is, and Dembele's tendencies reduce their effectiveness.

The argument could be made that he is still finding his fitness after an extended injury layoff but, realistically, Dembele has made 14 appearances this season. He should be showing signs of recovery, but he isn't.

With the early stages of the Capital One Cup and Europa League now complete, Spurs can no longer afford to be carrying players. The games are now too important and Dembele no longer has a place. 

The signing of Dembele was supposed to help AVB transform Spurs' midfield and fill the gap created by the sale of Luka Modric. There is no denying that Dembele has failed to adequately replace Modric. 

His injury took an obvious toll on his ability to compete in the Premier League. He has subsequently lost his place for Belgium. 

Mauricio Pochettino should follow Marc Wilmots' example and drop Dembele from his plans. Unlike many of the other players reportedly headed for the White Hart Lane exit door, Dembele has little upside. 

Any further appearances Dembele makes this season would come at the unacceptable cost of sacrificing the development of Ryan Mason, Nabil Bentaleb, Benjamin Stambouli or even Etienne Capoue. 

Each of Spurs' other central midfielders brings far more to the game and lacks Dembele's obvious downsides. The time has come for him to be sold.