Andy Townsend has praised Yves Bissouma and his performances for Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur.
The former Aston Villa captain noted how ‘Antonio Conte wouldn’t pick Yves Bissouma‘ last season, yet he has started the new Premier League campaign like a house on fire.
It could be argued that Bissouma, during these early stages, has been Tottenham’s best player, with Townsend stating that he was ‘excellent’ against Manchester United, as he told talkSPORT (21/08/23 at 9:55 am).
Last summer, Spurs signed the 26-year-old from Brighton, as he was one of Conte’s marquee signings.
Whilst injuries didn’t help the midfielder’s cause, there were also times when he struggled to get into Conte’s XI, and when he did, that bite and flow wasn’t in his game.
But under Postecoglou now, he is showing the form that many thought he would show 12 months ago and how he is changing as a player.
“Yves Bissouma from Spurs because, it’s a strange one,” said Townsend. “When he first came in, we all thought he is exactly what Spurs need.
“He has tons of energy, and gets across the field, up and down. But Conte wouldn’t pick him. Antonio Conte wouldn’t pick him.
“I thought he was excellent (against Manchester United).”
Bissouma is flying
This all stems from pre-season and Bisoumma showing strong form this summer and he has now brought that into the new season.
It’s no surprise to Spurs fans that he is performing like this and it just goes to show how a forward-thinking manager can change the game of a player.
Conte’s two-man midfield system, which requires his players to sit back and absorb pressure, just didn’t suit, nor help Bissouma, but now, he can sing and dance however he likes.
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