View: Postecoglou could face Bissouma dilemma for Tottenham showdown v Chelsea
Ange Postecoglou has a major selection decision to make in central midfield as Tottenham prepare to host Chelsea in the Premier League.
Spurs have made a sensational start to life under their new Australian boss, having collected 26 points from the first 30 on offer.
Despite Harry Kane no longer being around, this is Tottenham’s best start to a top-flight campaign since 1960-61 when they last lifted the title.
That is down to many factors, from certain players stepping up to the manager simply getting his team selections spot on pretty much every time.
Yves Bissouma is one of those who has made a big impact, starting nine of Spurs’ 10 games so far after struggling in his maiden campaign here.
But Bissouma’s place in the side could be under threat following the return to fitness of Rodrigo Bentancur, who impressed before his lay-off.
Bentancur made his first appearance in more than eight months as a late substitute in the 2-1 win against Crystal Palace last week.
Postecoglou will be cautious about rushing the Urugauy ace back into the starting line-up, having spent so long watching from the stands.
With a 10-day gap between games, though, Bentancur may well be ready to play an hour or so against Chelsea.
That is not to say Bissouma deserves to be dropped as such, but Bentancur can offer so much to this Tottenham side under Postecoglou.
Bentancur provides an attacking threat from holding midfield alongside Pape Matar Sarr, highlighted by his five goals and two assists last season.
His return of 0.30 goals per 90 minutes last time out was bettered only by Son Heung-min – just – (0.31) among those still at Tottenham [FBref].
Without a doubt, the 26-year-old’s biggest involvement in that regard was against Leeds United a year ago when scoring twice in a dramatic 4-3 win.
The build-up to Bentancur’s second goal perfectly encapsulates what he is all about, as he acted as a false 10 while Kane dropped deep.
Son is now playing that Kane role, and having Bentancur in that congested zone against Chelsea will only add to Spurs’ options when it comes to breaking down the opposition.
With Sarr standing out against Palace, Bissouma’s place is most at risk in holding midfield.
Bissouma has been dispossessed two times per game on average this season – the joint-most of any Spurs player, level with Richarlison [WhoScored].
The Mali international’s decision-making when he does get forward can sometimes be questionable, as we saw in the win over Sheffield United.
Had Bentancur been in this position, he surely would have converted – or at least looked to square the ball.
Again, this is not to say Bissouma has disappointed this season – anything but – yet Postecoglou will be looking to constantly transform this side.
In Bentancur, he has a talented player who simply has to slot into this XI, whether that is against Chelsea or versus Wolves the following week.
From his goal threat, ability to help with transitions and switch positions, and indeed his capability of breaking up play, Bentancur is ready to play his part.
In other Tottenham news, Emerson Royal may now be Postecoglou’s go-to man if Destiny Udogie remains absent.