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Recent links to West Bromich Albion may seem like a fall from grace for Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama, the Kenyan international is on the verge of becoming one of the Premier League’s forgotten men.
The former Celtic midfielder is known for his tough tackling and no nonsense style of play in the middle, alongside his love of spaghetti. But under Mauricio Pochettino this season, has made just seven appearances in all competitions this season, managing a paltry 358 minutes on the pitch.
Pochettino brought Wanyama to Spurs with a wealth of knowledge on the capabilities and qualities he possessed as they shared a fruitful spell at Southampton. During their time on the south coast they both helped the Saints hit heights nobody expected as they mounted a challenge for European football. In turn, Wanyama’s stock was rising alongside his managers.
During his first season at White Hart Lane, Wanyama was a key part of the side that were Chelsea’s closest challengers for the Premier League title, finishing in second place. During one of Tottenham’s most successful campaigns to date, the Kenyan holding midfielder made 36 appearances in the league, with a further 11 spread across the various cup competitions Tottenham were involved in.
Wanyama formed a formidable partnership with Eric Dier, sitting infront of the back four, screening the Tottenham defence from any danger. Such was the effectiveness of that combination, Tottenham conceded a league low of 26 goals, the base that cemented their top four spot.
The following season was plighted with injuries, cartilage damage forced the Kenyan to miss 16 games for his side, during that time the flourishing midfield of Moussa Dembele, Dier, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli meant Wanyama fell down the pecking order and made just eight Premier League starts after his return from injury.
The current season has seen his injury woes continue, knee problems have meant that Wanyama has been seen just four times in the Tottenham squad so far. The emergence of Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp mean that Wanyama has become somewhat of a forgotten man at Spurs.
No comment has been made by Pochettino or any source at Tottenham to suggest he will be surplus to requirements going forward, but the Kenyan is 27 and in the prime years of his career. A return to his former clubs seem off the cards, Southampton have since turned to Oriol Romeu whilst Celtic may be below the level Wanyama wishes to be playing at.
But a move may be what Wanyama needs as his career is dwindling. Injuries have been unfortunate, but such is the cut throat nature of football, especially in the Premier League.
The Kenyan still has a lot to offer, his qualities are unquestionable. It is whether a team is willing to take a gamble on his fitness that is the true question.
