As a rule of thumb, Argentinian centre-halves don't tend to be overeffusive or loquacious. They less call a spade a spade than brandish it as a potential weapon and ask questions later. Which is why when—after Tottenham Hotspur's win over Arsenal in Saturday's north London derby—Mauricio Pochettino repeated his view Mousa Dembele is a genius, it is worth further investigation than an indulgent smile in the direction of a manager seemingly punch drunk on the euphoria of victory.
The Belgian's prodigious and manifold gifts have long since been an open secret, but as with an open marriage, it is perhaps only obvious to those purposely looking.