Chris Hughton has urged Yves Bissouma to ‘show more character’ at Tottenham Hotspur after coaching the midfielder during his days at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Former Spurs defender Hughton brought Bissouma to the Premier League in 2018 and he shared that his former pupil is a ‘very gifted’ player.
The 26-year-old showed a lot of promise under Hughton, before taking his game to another level when Graham Potter took to the Amex Stadium dugout.
That’s what resulted in Spurs and Antonio Conte knocking on his door during the 2022 summer transfer window.
Many expected the hard-hitting player to start off behind thriving duo Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur, but his slow beginning, only two Premier League starts, has raised questions.
Hughton shared his thoughts on the player, what he wants to see more of from Bissouma and why he feels the minutes haven’t come by on a regular basis since moving to north London, as he told Sky Sports Premier League.
“He is certainly a very gifted player,” said Hughton. “He can receive the ball in tight areas. I spoke to Graeme (Potter) about this and him being a very good continuity player. Keeping possession.
“I think he really blossomed last season, where he had a coach that changed the formations a lot. But still, there is that question, what’s his best position? In a midfield two or three?
“The problem he had in not playing for Spurs on a regular basis is that, can he play in a two-man midfield where there is a specific role asked of him?
“I would ask him to show more personality on the pitch. That’s one question you asked. Can he rise to the big occasion? Can he control games in a bigger environment?
“That’s maybe why he hasn’t played as much. At Brighton last season, he developed and he developed well. They saw the best of him, hence the move, now it’s about the next level and a different and bigger environment.”
POSITIVE SIGNS FOR BISSOUMA
Well, after all the talk of Bissouma’s game time, then it was ironic that he earned a much-needed start against his former club at the weekend.
It wasn’t a pretty game, in terms of the attacking play from Spurs, but from a defensive aspect, they didn’t allow Brighton any breathing space or clear-cut chances.
Bissouma was taken off in the second half, but it was a strong display from the Mali international and now it’s a case of building on that performance.
Frankfurt are coming up next for Spurs, a very crucial Champions League tie, and if they drop points here then it can derail them in their quest to reach the knockout stages.
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