Player Watch: Moussa Sissoko

[Japhet]

Ultimately the most likely in squad option we have to push Sissoko for a starting spot is Lo Celso, he’s the only one who plays with that tenacity and energy, but I think a combination of his injuries and relative lightness ( though he’s not small by any means ) mean it’s unlikely to happen with Mourinho, while Ndombele is physically more than powerful enough for it but Mourinho doesn’t think he’ll be disciplined enough.

I don’t agree with him, but Pochettino had us controlling the midfield with two ultimately defensive midfielders at any given time (for all Dembele’s skill, he was safety first) and the football in front was just fine. Problem is, Dembele and Wanyama‘a lack of attacking thrust was heavily made up for by an insane combination of players in their peak in front of them, players who also brought superb energy levels which meant that we were winning the ball higher up. If Mourinho wants to persist with counter attacking football, he needs a player next to Højbjerg who will move the ball faster than Sissoko, even if it sacrifices some defensive solidity, as counter attack doesn’t work if the opposition have everyone behind the ball while it’s still in your half. Ndombele or Lo Celso, or if he doesn’t trust them then Winks, even with his limitations, will see us use the ball better (yes I’m aware he was poor v Wolves but he gets more slack than the regulars given that he’s been in and out).

I’d like to think Skipp will be the solution, but he’s not here until next season and blocking his post with a January signing makes no sense, so I really hope Jose trust one of Lo Celso or Ndombele at some point, or that Winks ups his game, because it’s clear that Sissoko is not the solution even short term any more.

We have our Khedira in Højbjerg, we need our Alonso now.

I think if there's anything in the Sabitzer rumours, Sissoko is the one we should move on. It would create a non HG space for Sabitzer and he can bring the energy Sossoko does but with much better footballing ability. Sissoko also retains a bit of transfer value, but not for much longer. If Skipp comes back in the summer we could probably then look to sell Winks although I'd be happy to keep him. I don't really know what's going on with Sabitzer since I seem to be banned from the Transfers section, undoubtedly for some heinous crime against humanity.

 

[Strikeb4ck]

Monstrous performance tonight. Peak Moussa.

 

[SlotBadger]

I like Sissoko, and he’s played really well for us before, but what the fuck have I just witnessed?

My jaw is in my lap.

Scores a header
Not one crap touch
Marauding runs with finesse
Intricate one-twos

Wow.

 

[delawarespur]

He wouldn’t be a mainstay for les bleus if he was only a physical runner. His touch and turn can be poor at times, but I don’t really have a problem with his range of passing or vision. His physical attributes are world class, and he’s still going at 31. An absolute classy machine tonight.

 

[Doctor Dinkey]

Moussa made a speech when he got MOTM like he was receiving an Oscar.

 

[Yiddo100]

Still not recovered from the fact it was a a clean header. Quality ?

 

[chrissivad]

Moussa made a speech when he got MOTM like he was receiving an Oscar.

Probably had it written for a while

 

[Zippy1980]

Moussa made a speech when he got MOTM like he was receiving an Oscar.

I couldn’t give a toss if he gives the next queens speech for her if he continues to play like he did tonight.

 

[ZiggySpurs]

It was great seeing everyone swarm around him when he scored. Lifted team morale.

 

[srups34]

He played well tonight, an excellent finish too. Well done Moussa.

 

[Shadydan]

Luca Sissoko tonight, some sublime touches out there

 

[IfiHadTheWings]

Not many things more joyous to see the big fella score.

Love a bit of Moussa

 

[waresy]

Great to see him break through the lines and get in the box with that header. Dele used to do this almost on routine. It is part of our game that we have missed over the last few months, I'd like to see it more and not just from Mousa.

Anyone have some money on Sissoko to score first in a Spurs win?

 

[PCozzie]

Great to see him break through the lines and get in the box with that header. Dele used to do this almost on routine. It is part of our game that we have missed over the last few months, I'd like to see it more and not just from Mousa.

Anyone have some money on Sissoko to score first in a Spurs win?

Not sure betting companies offer this as a standard bet. Usually you have to 'know someone' to get some odds for that.

 

[cliff jones]

Kinell, I’m normally up in the middle of the night to watch the evening KOs but the EFL Cup ain’t on here. My joy at the score has been almost superseded by the comments in here!

Ive only seen ten mins of highlights and the header, as for the rest of the stuff I need evidence!

 

[brasil_spur]

I think if there's anything in the Sabitzer rumours, Sissoko is the one we should move on. It would create a non HG space for Sabitzer and he can bring the energy Sossoko does but with much better footballing ability. Sissoko also retains a bit of transfer value, but not for much longer. If Skipp comes back in the summer we could probably then look to sell Winks although I'd be happy to keep him. I don't really know what's going on with Sabitzer since I seem to be banned from the Transfers section, undoubtedly for some heinous crime against humanity.

Ooof, this post didn't age well

Just kidding, i agree with the above apart from moving on Sissoko. I think he's an invaluable squad member.

 

[Japhet]

Ooof, this post didn't age well

Just kidding, i agree with the above apart from moving on Sissoko. I think he's an invaluable squad member.

Sissoko's value is probably at it's peak right now so I'd be fine with cashing in and putting the money towards Sabitzer. I stand by that, even after last night. I think Sabitzer would offer more than Sissoko, primarily in footballing ability. Sissoko has been an invaluable squad member but can't afford to get sentimental about it.

 

[thecook]

He's still a weak link and needs an upgrade. Let's not get all sentimental because he's scored a goal and had a half decent game, we do that with enough players already.

 

[jimmybob]

Crazy thing he offered more than Bale, Lucas and Bergwyn have done this season when on the right . Obviously only against Brentford when chasing..

 

[kent brockman]

He played well tonight, an excellent finish too. Well done Moussa.

Certainly an excellent header. I also liked his confidence in how he was waving to Reguilon, clearly letting Sergio know that he wanted the ball.