Everton boss Ronald Koeman has commented on Moussa Sissoko’s struggles at Tottenham.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Everton boss Ronald Koeman has told the Liverpool Echo that he is a little surprised by Moussa Sissoko’s lack of first-team football at Tottenham Hotspur.
Sissoko, 27, hit just one goal and seven assists for Newcastle United last season, with the midfielder being heavily criticised for his performances in the Magpies’ relegation to the Championship.
The Frenchman impressed for his country at Euro 2016 though, and his displays earned him a big-money move back to the Premier League with Tottenham.
Sky Sports reported on deadline day back in August 2016 that Spurs were forking out £30million to land Sissoko, beating Everton to his signature after allegedly snubbed phone calls from the Toffees.
Tottenham fans were largely underwhelmed upon Sissoko’s arrival at White Hart Lane, and they have so far been proven right, as he has started just six Premier League games for Spurs – and has yet to even find the net for the club.
Sissoko has struggled to make any sort of impression under Mauricio Pochettino, but he will be hoping to feature in Sunday’s clash against the club he rejected in August; Everton.
Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko in action with Wycombe Wanderers’ Dominic Gape
Ronald Koeman’s men travel to White Hart Lane this weekend in search of three points, and the Dutchman has been speaking about Sissoko’s disappointing season in North London.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Koeman admitted that Everton did want to sign the player, and would expect a player of his transfer fee to be playing more regularly, but only Pochettino can answer why Sissoko isn’t playing – though did suggest that Spurs have a number of quality players in the same position.
“Yes, but OK, if you look at the rest of the team they have big competition in that area,” Koeman said. “But it was a big signing for them. We tried also to sign the player and he chose Tottenham, but he is not really involved in many of the games. I don’t know but it was a big signing. You ask Pochettino why he is not involved, I don’t know.”
“If you make that kind of signing, for that money, you expect (them to be playing regularly). Even if I sign a player for that money and he is not normally starting then, yes. I don’t know maybe fitness? I don’t know,” he added.
Do you think Sissoko has been a mistake for Tottenham?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
