Newcastle’s Moussa Sissoko impressed in the Euro 2016 final for France.
Portugal’s Renato Sanches in action with France’s Moussa Sissoko
Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko was a surprise inclusion in France’s Euro 2016 squad at the start of the tournament, but nobody is questioning Didier Deschamps’ decision now.
Sissoko showed that his mixed form for relegated Newcastle was masking a player capable of so much more.
He displaced N’Golo Kante of Leicester City in the France line up mid tournament and has not looked back, and was outstanding in the final against Portugal.
France’s Moussa Sissoko shoots at goal
His performance was lauded by BBC pundits after 90 minutes of the final, with the game entering extra-time goalless.
Speaking on the broadcaster’s live television coverage, French legend Thierry Henry was impressed, commenting: “Moussa Sissoko is so far for me the best man on the pitch in the final.”
Newcastle hero Alan Shearer backed his assessment, adding: “He’s been the driving force, he runs with ball into space… that’s what’s been lacking in French team.”
Portugal’s Adrien Silva in action with France’s Moussa Sissoko
Sissoko’s performance in the final only served to underline the fact he should have done a lot better at Newcastle last season.
It has also put himself in the shop window and made his chances of playing in the Championship next season slim, providing Newcastle do not increase their asking price to totally unrealistic expectations after his tournament heroics.
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