Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent has explained why he's changed his mind on summer signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
The Denmark international was one of seven first-team acquisitions made by the Lilywhites before and after the 2020/21 season had started as Jose Mourinho addressed a key area in his squad.
Signed from Premier League rivals Southampton in a deal worth a reported £15m, with each passing game it is looking as if Spurs have completed an excellent piece of business.
After struggling on his league debut for Spurs against Everton on the opening weekend of the campaign, Hojbjerg has played a key role in Mourinho's side emerging as surprise contenders in the title race.
Not only has the midfielder shone against Manchester City as well as Chelsea, but he also delivered a man-of-the-match display in his first taste of a North London Derby against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
However, Bent, who was speaking following Spurs' 2-0 win over the Gunners, admitted to questioning the move at the time because he didn't think Hojbjerg could take the club to the next level.
But now he can't praise the transfer enough.
In fact, not only has Bent changed his mind about Hojbjerg but he also compared the 25-year-old to Claude Makelele and John Obi Mikel - two players who were crucial to Mourinho's title-winning sides from his time at Chelsea.
"I was one who questioned it," Bent told talkSPORT. "I thought, ‘If they want to go to the next level, why are they not signing better players?'
"He’s like that anchor you need in midfield, where everyone can be going chaotic around you, he’s the one who sits in front of that back four and does his job.
"[Mourinho] had Claude Makelele as well.
"I think the biggest one who was underrated in that role was John Obi Mikel, he did that job so well.
"But you’re right, it’s the Mourinho way."
Goals from Son Heung-min and Harry Kane ensured Spurs gained bragging rights over the Gunners and moved them back to the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool's win over Wolves a few hours later means the two teams are locked on 24 points, although Mourinho's side have a superior goal difference, thanks in part to thumping Manchester United 6-1 and four successive clean sheets.
Next up for Hojbjerg and co is a Europa League clash with Antwerp on Thursday night before another London derby away at Crystal Palace three days later.
