Dimitar Berbatov has claimed that the main secret to Tottenham’s successful run over the past few weeks is the combative nature of their midfield.
Jose Mourinho seems to have settled on a midfield three of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele and, based on the evidence of the last few weeks, the Spurs boss has got the balance right.
Berbatov showered praise on summer-singing Hojbjerg, as well as Sissoko, insisting that they do not get the credit they deserve for the job they do in front of the back four.
The former Spurs striker told Betfair (as relayed by Goal.com): “I think one of the major things in the Spurs team, from what I have seen so far, are the people in the middle of the park. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a f***ing bully, a rock in front of the defence.
“He knows what he can and can’t do and he’s playing to his strengths. He doesn’t really get much praise but he’s there and he’s doing all the work.
“Mourinho knew exactly what he wanted when they went into the market for a midfielder, and he certainly got all that and more in Hojbjerg.
“Mousa Sissoko also plays a massive part alongside him and it’s pleasing to see Tanguy Ndombele getting more and more games under his belt.
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“I don’t really know what else to say about Harry Kane and Son, it’s obvious they are amazing. Every player is producing great football at the moment and long may that continue.
“In the past, we’ve seen Mourinho favour a strong midfield, he has his own ideas about how his team should be structured and, at the moment, it’s working perfectly for him.”
The Bulgarian predicted last week that Tottenham would overcome Manchester City and send out a statement that they need to be taken seriously in the title race, and he was certainly proven right.
The 39-year-old insisted that Mourinho’s game plan worked perfectly last Saturday.
Speaking about Tottenham’s 2-0 win, Berbatov said: “Spurs proved that they are serious title contenders with their win over Manchester City. It was a great win and it was probably exactly how Mourinho wanted the game to go.
“Even though I admire seeing the patient passing style of football with the ball on the ground, sometimes if you play like that and have 60 or 70 per cent of the ball you can still lose, as City did against Spurs.
“City cannot change their style of play and Spurs were so prepared for them, so focussed and in the end fully deserved the win. It’s a big statement, it showed that they are ready and that they can challenge this year for the title.”
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