Ange must never repeat experiment with Tottenham ace after brilliant display for country
Yves Bissouma’s 2024/25 season has been nothing short of eventful, marked by highs and lows that have kept Tottenham Hotspur fans on the edge of their seats.
The Malian midfielder, who is traditionally recognized for his defensive prowess, has recently shown flashes of his offensive capabilities, highlighted by a stunning goal against Everton that left many, including manager Ange Postecoglou, taking notice.
However, while Bissouma’s newfound attacking flair is commendable, Tottenham must resist the temptation to alter his role based on this recent performance, particularly in light of his experience with the Mali national team.
Bissouma, usually paired with James Maddison in Tottenham’s midfield, has rarely been tasked with advancing into attacking positions.
With prolific forwards like Son Heung-Min, Dejan Kulusevski, and Brennan Johnson leading the charge, along with Dominic Solanke expected to return from injury soon, Bissouma’s primary role has been to anchor the midfield, break up opposition play, and distribute the ball effectively. His contributions in these areas are vital to Spurs’ overall balance and success on the pitch.
However, during a recent African Cup of Nations qualification match against Mozambique, Mali’s head coach decided to experiment with Bissouma in a more advanced role.
The result was a mixed bag; while Bissouma managed to score a crucial equalizer from outside the box, his overall performance raised questions about the sustainability of this tactical shift.
Bissouma took seven shots during his 89 minutes on the pitch, but only 20% of these efforts were on target, as per FotMob. While the goal was a moment of brilliance, the statistics suggest that Bissouma’s offensive contribution in this role may be more of an anomaly than a new norm.
Postecoglou must carefully consider these factors before making any decisions about Bissouma’s role at Tottenham.
Despite the excitement generated by his goal for Mali, Bissouma’s strengths lie in his defensive and transitional play. His ability to break up opposition attacks and initiate counter-attacks is what makes him so valuable to Spurs.
The data supports this view: Bissouma ranks in the top 71 percentile for progressive carries, the top 94 percentile for tackles, and the top 78 percentile for interceptions among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, according to FBref.
These statistics underscore his importance in a deeper role, where his defensive contributions can be maximized.
On the other hand, Bissouma’s offensive metrics paint a different picture. He ranks in the bottom 39 percentile for non-penalty goals, the bottom nine percentile for assists, and the bottom 22 percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area.
These numbers clearly indicate that Bissouma is not suited for a role focused on attacking output. Instead, his skill set is tailored to disrupting the opposition’s play and providing stability in midfield, which is crucial for Tottenham’s overall strategy.
Deploying Bissouma further up the pitch, as Mali did, could result in diminishing returns for Tottenham. It would likely reduce his effectiveness in the areas where he excels and place unnecessary pressure on him to deliver offensively, which is not his natural game.
Moreover, his low success rate in ground duels and the lack of tackles attempted during his advanced role for Mali further highlight that such a position does not align with his strengths.
In the Premier League, where the competition is fierce, and the margins for error are slim, it’s essential for Postecoglou to utilize his players in roles that maximize their abilities.
For Bissouma, that means continuing to operate as a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box player who can support both the defense and the attack without being the focal point of the latter.
This approach will ensure that Tottenham maintains the balance and cohesion necessary to compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, Postecoglou must recognize the value of Bissouma’s contributions in his current role and resist the urge to push him into a more advanced position.
By doing so, Spurs can continue to benefit from Bissouma’s defensive solidity and transitional play, which are critical to their success this season.
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