Mousa Dembele has welcomed Mauricio Pochettino comparing him to Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho, but insists those links don’t mean much without trophies.
Pochettino has publicly called Dembele a “genius” on more than occassion, suggesting the Belgian is one of only a few players he has worked with worthy of that tag, including Maradona and Ronaldinho.
Over the last few weeks, Dembele has produced a string of incredible performances for Tottenham in which he has dominated the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus in midfield.
The 30-year-old, who joined Spurs from Fulham in 2012, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons but has proved himself to be one of the club’s most important players under Pochettino.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the second leg of Tottenham’s Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus, Dembele admitted he would rather win trophies than receive compliments from his manager.
“In the past we spoke a lot as well, so it’s not something new you’re telling me. He speaks a lot with me and gives me confidence,” said Dembele (via Goal).
“He’s mentioned these kinds of things to me in the past. Obviously he’s been giving me confidence and it’s a good thing, but you always want to win something, so it doesn’t change my role.
“It’s a good feeling. Everybody likes to be appreciated. It’s a good feeling, but there’s so much to play for still.”
Spurs haven’t won a trophy since their League Cup success in 2008, but they are still dreaming of silverware in the FA Cup and Europe this season.
Regardless of whether Dembele wins anything at Tottenham or not, he will go down as one of the club’s most talented players in the modern era.
