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‘He could light up the World Cup’: Matt Doherty raves about ‘world-class’ player who snubbed Tottenham in January

Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty has raved about Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele – a player who reportedly snubbed a move to north London in January.

Spurs were linked with a move for Dembele earlier this year as Antonio Conte was aiming to bolster his attacking options.

Tottenham did manage to bring in Dejan Kulusevski from Juventus and the move has turned out to be a stroke of genius from the club.

But according to Sport, Dembele actually rejected a move to Spurs on deadline day back in January.

Of course, Kulusevski has proved to be a revelation for Spurs and fans won’t be losing too much sleep over missing out on the ‘world-class’ Barca winger. 

Now, Doherty has admitted that he’s really looking forward to watching Dembele play for France during the World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images

Doherty raves about Dembele

Speaking to Tottenham’s official website, Doherty was asked who he’s excited to watch in action during today’s games in Qatar. 

“Wow, tough call today! I’m going to go for a French player, and I think Ousmane Dembele will have a good tournament,” he said.

“He’s got back into form at Barcelona this season, so he could light up the World Cup. So, hopefully he starts today and I get that one right!”

CA Osasuna v FC Barcelona - LaLiga Santander
Photo by Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Dembele was struggling to recapture the brilliant form he produced for Borussia Dortmund in Spain.

The French winger’s progress had been scuppered by injuries during his time in La Liga but he has enjoyed a resurgence under Xavi.

The 25-year-old has scored four goals and provided five assists in La Liga this season and is set to represent France at the World Cup. 

Didier Deschamp’s men get their campaign underway tonight and Doherty is clearly looking forward to watching Dembele in action.

He would’ve been a brilliant addition to the Spurs side had he made the switch back in January. But there were doubts over his fitness record at the time and Tottenham ended up signing a brilliant talent in Kulusevski.

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