Tottenham 2017-18 player preview: Moussa Sissoko
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham’s most disappointing player from the 2016-17 season might still go out on loan to Turkish side Trabzonspor, but what can Spurs supporters expect if he remains in north London?
Not a lot if last season is anything to go by.
And don’t pretend that you don’t know who I am referring to.
I grasp hopelessly at straws when attempting to remain upbeat about Moussa Sissoko, who cost the club £30 million just over a year ago.
The Frenchman, since arriving at Tottenham prior to the 2016-17 season, is sinking in the deep end of the ocean with little hope of escape. Unless things change drastically, and in a hurry, Sissoko will drown, at least as a Tottenham player.
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Trying to somehow morph into an internal optimist, I draw a sliver of encouragement from his pre-season performance against Juventus at Wembley. I have to pinch myself to make sure I’m not in state of restive sleep before stating this:
Sissoko was one of Spurs’ best players in the first half against the Champions League finalists less than a week ago.
He worked his socks off, tracked back like a man possessed and impeded many Juventus attacks, even nicking the ball back for his teammates on occasion. He passed with sharpness, zip and confident intent which eventually led to Harry Kane’s opening goal. Sure, his pass to Kieran Trippier was of the most rudimentary variety, but let’s not tarnish a good thing.
His workhorse-like, impressive performance was almost capped off with what would have been a brilliant goal had his piercing drive not smashed flush off the goal post.
Unfortunately for Tottenham, those periods of sustained excellence are more rare than a Spurs and Arsenal supporter finding common ground.
He was cumbersome, lacked finesse and never looked comfortable in his 25 appearances last season. Sissoko has a mountain ahead of him if he is to win back Spurs’ faithful, but the strapping Frenchman can take a giant step in the right direction with a strong performance against his former side on Sunday.
Next: Newcastle vs. Tottenham: What to expect from the season opener
The 27-year-old is expected to start on the right side of midfield in Tottenham’s season opener and Mauricio Pochettino will expect his performance against Juventus to become the norm.
Otherwise, he’ll be departing north London for Trabzonspor faster than Turkish Airlines’ staff offer a complimentary Turkish delight upon boarding.