Joey Barton has hailed in-form Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele and even suggested he is better than Manchester United ace Paul Pogba.
The 30-year-old enforcer is currently in a purple patch of form and has received a wide amount of plaudits for his recent displays.
He was given a rest in the 2-2 FA Cup draw against Rochdale on Sunday, but prior to that starred in games against Juventus and Arsenal.
The Belgium international is renowned for his physical strength and the way he glides past opponents in possession.
The central midfielder is a mainstay in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI and is very highly rated by the Spurs faitful.
Barton has highlighted the quality of Dembele as his performances continue to put him in the spotlight and feels he is a key part of the team.
“He’s top drawer,” Barton said during Alan Brazil’s Sports Breakfast show on talkSPORT (Monday 19 February).
“A lot of things are levelled at him, like he doesn’t score enough goals – which I don’t think he does – but on the flip side of that is role in the team is the first receiver.
“I think he’s shown incredible composure. He’s better than Pogba.”
OPINION
Dembele’s form really has rocketed in recent weeks as he gets back to full fitness and is some player when he remains injury free. He is now getting praised from all over and some have even gone as far to say he is one of Europe’s best when he is on form. The Belgian has definitely looks irroestiable in recent weeks and the eye-catching midfielder looks so difficult to face for opponents. He helps start up attacks in the centre and Spurs have enough quality in their front four to score enough goals. Dembele will hope to continue his good form as Spurs push for silverware, but England will already be concerned about facing him in the World Cup.