Paul Robinson: Yves Bissouma not given fair opportunity at Tottenham last season, set for breakthrough
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Yves Bissouma has been a stand-out in Tottenham’s pre-season and could be set to finally impress Spurs fans under Ange Postecoglou, according to Paul Robinson.
Since arriving from Brighton for £30million last summer [BBC Sport], the 26-year-old has struggled to have the same impact in north London as he did in Sussex amid the turmoil at Tottenham last season.
The Mali international struggled for game time with just 23 Premier League appearances, most of which came from the bench. Bissouma also missed a large stretch of the season through an ankle injury which again hampered what looked to be a promising debut season under then-boss Antonio Conte.
Now, Robinson has backed Bissouma to show Spurs fans what he can do in north London, noting that he did not have a fair opportunity last season.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “Hugely, Bissouma looks like a different player in pre-season. I mean the way Conte played last year with his holding midfield with Bentencour and Hojberg, that was the two and it was very difficult to break the two. If those two were fit they’d play and Bissouma was very much frozen out.
“I know he’s been injured for a while, but then he didn’t get his opportunity. Look at the reputation he came with and you look how good he was when he was at Brighton.
“I was really excited to see him when he signed for Spurs, but I don’t think he’s been given a fair opportunity.
“But, It wasn’t the manager’s choice to play him, it’s not about being fair because the manager is there to pick a team. If the manager didn’t think that he was part of his starting 11 that would win games, then so be it. But I think he deserves an opportunity.
“I think he’s a very, very good player. Spurs fans haven’t seen the best of him yet.”
In other Tottenham news, a Gent striker may be the perfect Harry Kane replacement amid links to the club.