Victor Wanyama, the former Harambee Stars captain, has recently opened up about a significant career regret: not winning a trophy with what many consider one of Tottenham Hotspur’s most talented squads. Reflecting on his time at Spurs, Wanyama expressed disappointment over missing out on silverware during the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 seasons, a period when the team came tantalizingly close to securing the Premier League title.
Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham Hotspur emerged as a formidable force in English football. The 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 seasons saw Spurs play some of their most exciting and effective football, with a squad featuring key players like Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris, Mousa Dembele, Christian Eriksen, and Heung-Min Son. Despite their formidable lineup and impressive performances, they were unable to clinch the Premier League title, a fact that still haunts Wanyama.
During the 2015-2016 season, Spurs finished third in the league as Leicester City pulled off one of the greatest underdog victories in football history. Leicester’s triumph was a historic achievement, but it left Spurs and their supporters wondering what might have been. The following season, Tottenham finished as runners-up, this time falling short to Chelsea, who secured the title.
Wanyama, who was a central figure in the team, has since reflected on these near-misses with a sense of regret. “My only regret from that era is that we did not win a big trophy,” Wanyama admitted in an interview with FIFA Media. He emphasized the exceptional quality of the team and the high expectations that came with it. “We had a great team and a great coach in Mauricio. We showed we could beat anyone. I remember one season (2016-17), we didn’t lose a single home game. That’s how good our team was.”
The close calls left a lasting impact on Wanyama, who feels that the squad’s potential was never fully realized in terms of tangible success. The team’s ability to compete at the highest level was evident, but they fell just short when it mattered most.
Despite the disappointment, Wanyama’s tenure at Spurs was marked by significant achievements and personal milestones. As the only Kenyan player to have played in the English Premier League, Wanyama took immense pride in representing his country on such a prestigious stage. He recalled the profound sense of fulfillment he felt whenever he saw the Kenyan flag in the stands during matches. “To see my country’s flag raised in the Premier League, which is maybe the best league in the world… That was a huge thing. I felt very humbled.”
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Wanyama’s reflections also extend to his former teammates, particularly Harry Kane, whom he described as the best striker he has ever played with. Kane’s clinical finishing and professionalism were highlights for Wanyama. “Harry’s finishing is second to none,” he said. “You saw it in training; he is so clinical. I have not seen another striker like him. He’s also a very professional player. His game understanding, movements, and runs are just top.”
Wanyama’s praise for Kane underscores the striker’s exceptional abilities and the respect he commands among his peers. Kane’s impact on the pitch was a significant factor in Tottenham’s competitive edge during those seasons, even if the team fell short of securing major honors.
In summary, Victor Wanyama’s career at Tottenham Hotspur remains a mix of pride and regret. While he takes pride in representing Kenya and acknowledges the remarkable talent within the Spurs squad, the inability to secure a major trophy during those standout seasons remains a poignant aspect of his career. The near-misses and his reflections on them highlight both the challenges and the achievements that defined his time at one of England’s leading clubs
