Will Marouane Fellaini be joining Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur soon?

Shandong Luneng midfielder Marouane Fellaini may soon receive a phone call from new Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho about a potential transfer to the white half of North London.

Fellaini, who is four-feet taller than the average six-by-six-feet bed, was arguably Mourinho's favourite player while on the books of Manchester United.

Fellaini appeared in 89 matches under the tutelage of Mourinho during their time together at Manchester United - which was more appearances than the likes of Romelu Lukaku (73), Nemanja Mati (69) and Luke Shaw (55) could each muster under the Portuguese coach.

So why is Fellaini placed so high on Mourinho's wishlist?

Well, throughout his managerial career, Mourinho has constantly entrusted a towering central midfielder to win areal duels.

A few examples of the many midfielders standing over 6 feet who have played under Mourinho are: Thiago Motta (Inter Millan), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea); and Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Scott McTominay, Matić and of course Fellaini at Man United

Mourinho may also like the notion of a 'Fellaini of all trades':

• Fellaini can serve as a speed-bump - a defensive midfielder, like Man City's Fernandinho, slowing down attacks and protecting the last line of defence.
• He can play the role of an anchor - a holding midfielder, like Paul Scholes in his heyday, knocking the ball around and dictating the tempo of play.
• Fellaini can be the waiter – a Harry Winks-like midfielder who gives the ball to the talented attacker.
• He could perform the duty of a plug - an attacking midfielder, like Jesse Lingard, filling in the gap between the midfield and attackers.
• Fellaini can also be the weapon - a poacher, like Andy Carroll, using his height to get on the end of crosses or long balls that are thrust his way.

Speaking to Manchester United TV in October 2018, Mourinho said that he is "very happy" with Fellaini.

"He’s playing well in different positions. You can feel Fellaini's commitment, his heart and his happiness to be at the club. Clearly, he is showing that famous thing of the team being more important than one of us and he has sacrificed himself for the team."

Perhaps Fellaini was a 'Yes-Man' while at Manchester United, so he played according to what Mourinho asked of him - and worked hard.

Mourinho may also like often criticised players to show that, no matter what the media suggests, his team selections are his own and he is not influenced by his critiques.

Or, maybe Fellaini is simply just a nice chap who gets on well with Mourinho.

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