Ross Barkley praises Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele

By Su Collins

Everton’s Ross Barkley has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele is the toughest opponent he has ever faced.

The pair represented their respective sides on Sunday where Spurs came out victorious in the 3-2 Premier League clash.

The 23-year-old Englishman revealed that he found it tough when he faced Dembele as a teenager and still maintains that the Belgian is the hardest midfielder has ever faced.

“Mousa Dembele in midfield. I played against him when I was 18 or 19 and I thought it was very tough,” The London Evening Standard quotes Barkley as saying.

“He’s probably the hardest player I’ve played against. He’s a strong player, he gets his foot in well and dictates play.”

The 29-year-old has been an integral member of Maruicio Pochettino’s set up with his ability to consistently maintain possession and posing as a threat in the midfield both offensively and defensively.

The Belgium international has yet to net a league goal this season whereas Barkley has already picked up four goals and seven assists.

However, Spurs currently sit second in the league table with 12 points ahead of the Toffees who are seventh.

The Lilywhites will be facing Millwall in the Quarter-final of the FA Cup next weekend.