After beating Everton to his signature on deadline day back in 2016 for a reported £30m, Tottenham have seen Moussa Sissoko develop into an important part of their first-team squad. Since his arrival, the Frenchman has racked up 148 appearances across all competitions, and has proven his worth to the side on numerous occasions by simply being a reliable figure for his manager.
The 30-year-old has played in several positions across the pitch in his time in north London, including even at right-back and left-midfield. But on Sunday afternoon against Wolves, he was deployed in central midfield by Jose Mourinho. The recently appointed Spurs boss had taken advantage of Sissoko’s versatility by using him as a right-midfielder and in holding midfield in his first few games in charge, but handed him the keys in the middle of the park against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. And the France international duly rewarded his manager with an impressive display.
The former Newcastle man cut a composed figure in central midfield, helping Spurs to compete against the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho. But what was perhaps most notable about his display was his use of the ball. As per Sofascore, he had a fine 86% pass accuracy, but showed he could be penetrative too, providing one key pass.
Watch Spurs vs Brighton Live and Free with Amazon Prime on Boxing Day
And naturally, he brought his typical powerhouse style to the game too, winning five of his six total duels, and being a marauding presence when driving forward from midfield, completing three of his four attempted dribbles. Sissoko helped take the game to Wolves whenever he could, and with Eric Dier beside him to hold down the fort, the Frenchman did his best to provide more attacking support and thrust.
Who is that?! Can you name all of these obscure Spurs signings? Give it a go now…
It was a composed and assured display in a game dominated by awful weather conditions, and feisty tackles from both sides. It will now be difficult for Mourinho to use him anywhere else but in central midfield for the foreseeable future.
Meanwhile, Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho has hailed this man after his commanding display against Wolves.