If Mousa Dembele is indeed set to quit the Premier League for one last payday in China, then Tottenham are certainly squeezing all they can get out of their midfielder.
The 31-year-old's current contract expires at the end of this season and a January sale beckons, though Mauricio Pochettino handed him his fifth successive start yesterday.
Such a workload for a player of his age would take its toll over a season. Yet while Pochettino still has his services, he is making use of the man he has labelled a 'genius' in the past.
What Dembele does tends to go unnoticed. In fact, that has long been a trait of the typical holding midfielder.
At the Amex, Dembele did Dembele things. He showed his strength in individual battles against Brighton's sluggers, he protected possession, he offered the back four an out-ball.
At times, he appeared to be Tottenham's version of an NFL quarterback. He would have the ball and, with his pick of players ahead of him, find his target by lumping it long.
On his day, Dembele can be like a Rolls Royce in midfield.
Powerful and classy, it is all about finding that rhythm. The question over the last few weeks has been whether he can still handle the rigours of the English game.
It looked absent in the defeats against Liverpool and Inter Milan over the last week, though he struck a good balance against Brighton. This was not vintage Tottenham, though their midfield looked stronger with him in it.
Dembele has had his injury issues, including a foot problem that has perpetually held him back.
As a result, the word on the football beat is that Chinese Super League side Beijing Sinobo Guoan are prepared to take him off Tottenham's hands.
They are willing to pay him close to £200,000 per week, while the north London club could receive up to £10million for letting him leave in January.
After a series of defeats, Pochettino needed this win. His players delivered a much-needed victory and Dembele was their protector.
Sedoso
1
There simply is no other player out there that plays like him. When he¿s on the ball I relax. Protects it like it¿s his favourite child. Twists and turns to find a space for the pass. Will be sorely missed come the day.
pOdyssey
1
He's so underrated , would be even better if he weren't always covering Dier miss placed passes every game . Need to somehow get wanyama back to the player he was before the injury's
freedong
0
Against Brighton though.
jealousyh
1
U wish ! He will never go to China. Fake news
herbivorous
0
He's welcome at United. His talents would be wasted if he goes to China
huangover
0
Such a workload for a player of his age would take its toll over a season. Ermm, Rooney, Lampard, Gerrard, Giggs, Scholes, Milner. Modric won champions league and played every game in world cup and he is 33. 'The question over the last few weeks has been whether he can still handle the rigours of the English game.' He was overwhelmed, overran in midfield by a 32yrs old name James Milner.
Mkuchu
0
Spurs can't sell him. Don't have players to play in that position. Dier and Wanyama are defensive holding players while Winks is not good enough.
Lorraine
0
A hell of a player to play against, ask Kyle Walker. Has not been the same since his injury set back, but it looks as if the more games he gets under his belt he'll soon be back where he left before. Wanyama had the same problem since his injury all they need is games
usability
0
As much as he's a good player, he holds the ball far too long and always try to do a 360 turnaround a lot of time. Nonetheless, his decision making and overall technical ability is good.
Habblnps
0
Lamela could fill his place perfectly.
Lamela is not a holding midfielder my friend
SgtSINGAM67
1
Dembele couldn't think over his status at Spurs. he's being used by Pocchetino in his last days at Spurs (end of season he's free agent). But Dembele wouldn't knew he'd being used maximum. Why would one use him more likely though he's at 31 of age...
hiodepsyz
0
Lamela could fill his place perfectly.
Sokanola
0
The ship is steady once more, well-done boys. [Asenal]