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Dembele's signing to replace Luka Modric also represents a shift to a more central focus of play under new boss Villas-Boas.

A lot of Tottenham's football last season under Harry Redknapp came from the wings, with the pace of both Aaron Lennon and Gareth Bale used at times to devastating effect.

Key to that style was Modric, whose stellar long-range passing matched the wingers' well-timed runs perfectly.

But with Modric gone, Redknapp gone and Spurs football last season somewhat one-dimensional, a change in focus was needed.

Villas-Boas prefers getting the ball to the final third through a central route, mainly as it bypasses a lot of the opposition's midfield and leaves their defence more exposed.

And the perfect player to assist that change is Dembele, who seemingly has been signed for his ability to drive the ball forward through the middle and play the incisive passes to the forwards, wingers or the trequartista.

Dembele completed 79 dribbles last term, the third highest in the Premier League behind Junior Hoilett and Victor Moses, and 16 more than Modric.

With the signing of Dembele, expect a lot more attacking thrust through the centre from Spurs, with their slow build-up play backed up by explosive turns of pace via Dembele's dribbles and runs across the defence from the wingers.

However, with Dembele dispossessed 71 times last season, also expect Tottenham to be more vulnerable from the counterattack.