Yves Bissouma exit update emerges at Tottenham make transfer decision
Tottenham are “not looking to sell” Yves Bissouma despite his recent loss of form, according to The Athletic.
Bissouma has been a regular starter under Ange Postecoglou this season and started the campaign well but has tailed off since.
However, it does not appear that Spurs are actively looking to move the midfielder on.
Jack Pitt-Brooke wrote for The Athletic (7 May): “Midfield is a big problem [for Spurs] — Postecoglou rotates every week but fails to find a combination that can control the game.
“Yves Bissouma has struggled after a good start and does not look like the sort of No 6 Spurs need.
“Although the club are not looking to sell Bissouma or Bentancur, there is a school of thought that they should be more ruthless with their outgoings and cash in on players before their value diminishes too much.”
Should Tottenham keep or sell Yves Bissouma?
Despite Bissouma’s struggles in recent weeks, keeping the midfielder could prove a sensible decision in the long term.
Tottenham’s downturn in form since their 10-game unbeaten start to the Premier League season has been collective and Postecoglou’s chopping and changing in midfield is evidence that the Australian is yet to settle on a complementary combination that can control games.
However, Bissouma possesses all the tools needed to be part of that eventually settled midfield unit.
Defensively, the Mali international has been busy in the centre of the park, averaging 5.15 tackles and interceptions combined per game in the Premier League this season (3.57 tackles, 1.58 interceptions) and is combative enough to offer both protection and disruption in midfield [FBref].
The 27-year-old is also comfortable acting as a hub in possession and is very involved in build-up play, taking 93.16 touches and completing 74.34 passes per 90 in the Premier League this term with a completion rate of 91.9 per cent – all very impressive numbers, even among midfielders.
A perhaps underrated element of Bissouma’s game is his capacity to carry the ball. He averages 60.44 carries per 90 in league competition and his average total carrying distance per game is an impressive 314.91 yards.
However, it is perhaps that trait that can see him drive out of his holding midfield role with the ball and leave gaps when possession is turned over.
Should Postecoglou acquire a more disciplined defensive midfielder to sit alongside Bissouma this summer, we could see the best of the Mali international once again next season.
In other Tottenham news, Guglielmo Vicario must improve after “very weak” Tim Sherwood verdict.
For more exclusive Tottenham updates, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.