If Tottenham wanted a performance that they could set as the template for the season ahead of them, it would be the 4-0 win over Everton. Spurs did not put a foot wrong in the 90 minutes and most importantly, took their chance.
Most Spurs players had an exceptional display against the Toffees but one player for whom this game was very important was Yves Bissouma. After being suspended for the opening game, he was given a chance to start by Ange Postecoglou. Boy, didn’t he take it brilliantly!
Bissouma was given a different role to the one he usually fills. The Mali international was handed the task of playing as a single pivot with two attack-minded midfielders in front of him and he had an incredible display.
What do the stats say?
Here is how Bissouma’s game played out statistically, as per SofaScore. The £55k-a-week Tottenham star played 72 minutes on the night and opened his team’s scoring with an absolute screamer.
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He scored his goal from an overall game xG of 0.10 and recorded an xA of 0.04. He recorded 86 touches during his time on the pitch completing 74 of his 80 attempted passes with an accuracy of 93%.
He completed five out of seven attempted long balls and won two out of his three ground duels. He also recorded one clearance, one interception, two tackles and was dribbled past just once during his time on the pitch.
One way to shut the rumour mill
If there was one way to shut down all the talk surrounding him, it’s the way Bissouma did it against Everton. He has effectively put an end to the ban and the aftermath of his ill-advised off-the-pitch incident.
When Tottenham want to play in a single-pivot, Yves Bissouma is their best bet. The 27-year-old looks Postecoglou’s first choice when fit and he would be wiser to know not to resort to off-field antics going forward.
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So, what next for Bissouma? Could this be his season in a Spurs shirt? Only time will tell us how this pans out.
