Thierry: 'Wanyama's absence hurts Spurs'

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Former France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry says the absence of Victor Wanyama in Tottenham Hotspur is a big blow to the English Premier League side.

Wanyama’s role in Tottenham’s midfield has been missed since he picked a knee injury in their clash with Burnley in August. Mauricio Pochetinho, the Spurs boss, would miss Wanyama in the EPL action up to next year.

“People who play Wanyama’s position are integral in any club. They determine success rate and level of failure in teams,” Henry said at a press conference in Nairobi yesterday.

“I did not have the privilege to watch Wanyama play until he signed for Tottenham last season. It helped me to understand him better. I realised his role added bravery and grip in the club,” said Henry who is in Kenya courtesy of Guinness.

Henry said clubs should take into consideration services rendered by other players in the field like Wanyama apart from strikers who always take much credit.

“It is so unfortunate that a striker will have a poor show for 89 minutes, but grabs all the headlines for scoring a winner in extra time. That’s unfair,” he said.

The former Barcelona star admitted that he was lost for words after he realised he has a fanatical following in Kenya.

“Fans here are amazing. I am touched and humbled. It is no surprise that the country has produced big names like MacDonald Mariga and Dennis Oliech.

“I am proud to be currently working with Divock Origi in the Belgium national team as an assistant coach. It’s through him that I learnt more about Kenya before I landed here,” the 40-year-old football said.