The Newcastle United midfielder has come in for criticism after starring at Euro 2016, unlike his Premier League campaign.
France’s Moussa Sissoko and referee Mark Clattenburg
Chris Waddle has defender Newcastle United star Moussa Sissoko to the Chronicle, saying the club’s relegation last season was not solely down to him.
The midfielder has come in for heavy criticism this summer because of his performances at Euro 2016.
He became a key player for hosts France as they made it to the final, with a series of impressive displays in the knockout stages in particular.
Portugal’s Renato Sanches in action with France’s Moussa Sissoko
That has led to many questioning why he couldn’t perform in that way for the Magpies last season as they were relegated from the Premier League.
But Waddle has moved to defend him, saying he wasn’t the sole reason that Rafa Benitez’s side dropped into the Championship.
“I think there are many more reasons as to why Newcastle got relegated than Moussa Sissoko,” he told the Chronicle.
“He’s not a match-winner. He’s an honest player. He’s not a great goalscorer so I wouldn’t say Newcastle’s downfall last season was purely down to him.”
Portugal’s Adrien Silva in action with France’s Moussa Sissoko
It now remains to be seen whether Newcastle can keep hold of Sissoko this summer following his displays in France.
They have not gone unnoticed and there appears to be widespread interest in his services as a result.
The Magpies are not interested in selling other than for a big price though, and it will be interesting to see if any of the reported interested parties decide to make a big offer for him.
Picture Supplied by Action Images – Moussa Sissoko
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