Spurs International watch: Tottenham midfielder scores for his country

Despite no credible source claiming as such, Spurs midfielder Yves Bissouma was named in Mali’s squad for Africa Cup Of Nations qualifiers against Mozambique and Eswatini.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder started in a more advanced number 10 role, as captain of the side, quite the contrast to his role in the second half against Newcastle United where he was tasked with holding the entire midfield down all on his own as Spurs went all out to try and chase the game.

The decision to play Bissouma higher up by new manager Tom Saintfiet paid off, as he fired home from twenty yards just a few minutes into the second half after Mozambique had gone into the interval a goal to the good.

This comes in the same week that the Spurs number eight’s goal against Everton was nominated for Premier League goal of the month for August.

Yves Bissouma grabs a goal on international duty for Mali

Bissouma also recorded; two chances created, seven shots, three fouls drawn, one interception, and 76 touches despite playing further forward, in a very productive overall display. It is encouraging to see the Malian midfielder has put his off-field situation behind him and made a positive start to the 24/25 season.

However, in the latter stages of the game, he was forced off with an injury and replaced by Mamadou Doumbia. Hopefully, the fact it was so late on means that Mali were not taking any risks and took him off as a precaution. It could also mean that he was just suffering from fatigue and/or cramps.

Fingers crossed that everything is okay, and if they are, Bissouma will be playing against Eswatini on Tuesday in another Africa Cup Of Nations qualifier. Eswatini’s defeat to Guinea-Bissau means that Mali will currently have to make do with second place in the group. Kick-off for this game will be 14:00 BST and 09:00 ET.