Arsenal legend Henry hails unsung hero Wanyama

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has hailed Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama as the unsung hero behind Tottenham Hotspur’s recent resurgence as Premier League force.

Henry who is visiting the country for the first time under the ‘Guinness Made of Black’ campaign sponsored by East African Breweries Limited (EABL) said Wanyama’s presence in the midfield is the reason why it was so hard for great opponents to break down Spurs last season.

“I saw him play at Southampton and he was amazing to watch. When a player arrives in the Premier League he gets all the attention and so with his good performances he got the opportunity to join Tottenhman,” he said

Wanyama who has been an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino’s team since signing for Spurs in June 2016, has missed the majority of this season, playing just 98 minutes in two English Premier League games.

“People playing in his position don’t really get the credit they deserve apart from Ngolo Kante last season, Makelele (Claude), Viera (Patrick), and a few more. It was not until he got injured that Tottenham realized what he has been giving to the team,” he added.

‘Kenyans should be proud’

Wanyama missed just two league matches last season when Spurs achieved a record high second place finish in the Premier League era and has been a glaring miss this term for the North London outfit.

He returned to training on Monday as he recovers from a knee injury. Pochettino has often been forced to deploy Eric Dier, Moussa Sissoko or Harry Winks as makeshift defensive midfield partners for Mousa Dembele who excelled with Wanyama last season.

“They have players who play in the same position like but Wanyama offers power and the way he drives the ball that offers proper cover to the defence. Remember last year he also scored goals for his team.

“It’s unfortunate that he did not carry the same form this season because of injury but every Kenyan should be proud of what he is doing in the Premier League,” the former FC Barcelona player said.

Spurs are currently fourth on the Premier League standings and host Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking Manchester city who are 11 points clear at the summit.