REUTERS/Michael Dalder
Accepting the idea of Mousa Dembele leaving Tottenham this summer is difficult enough to accept. Even attempting to replace him is practically nigh-on impossible. With both Milan clubs circling and Dembele now 30, acknowledging this inevitability is all the more necessary.
Where do you begin to identify a target with a similarly unique skillset?
Anybody replacing the Belgian, at the very least, has to be able to retain the ball and take-on opponents to progress play, as well as possessing solid defensive attributes and a high work rate.
RealSport compare the central midfield targets linked with Tottenham thus far.