Garth Crooks thinks Yves Bissouma’s struggles to get game time at Tottenham last season were more a reflection of Antonio Conte’s poor judgement than the midfielder.
Bissouma has arguably been one of the best players across the Premier League so far this season.
After a nervy start in the North London Derby, the Mali international grew into the game and dominated the midfield battle for much of the second half.
The 27-year-old was one of two Tottenham players that Crooks picked in his team of the week, along with Son Heung-min, who netted a brace.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring a goal 2-2 during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Bissouma and Son named in Team of the Week
The former Spurs man insisted that the Gunners could not have complained if the Lilywhites had emerged with all three points from the Emirates.
He wrote in his column for BBC Sport: “The mere fact that this lad struggled to get a regular game under Antonio Conte is more a reflection on the high-profile Italian manager than it was on the Mali international.
“Bissouma has been a revelation for Tottenham so far this season and played against Arsenal with the sort of passion you expect from a midfield player in a north London derby.
“The player’s ability to engage the opposition and at the same time cover ground has been outstanding. A draw against Arsenal was probably a fair result but the Gunners couldn’t have screamed if Tottenham had come away with all three points.”
Crooks also suggested that Son has now matured after being handed additional leadership responsibility this season, and he praised Spurs for not letting their head drop despite going behind twice on Sunday.
He added: “This was an impressive Tottenham performance against their north London rivals. To go behind twice away at Emirates Stadium having had the most shocking penalty decision awarded against you takes some steel and Son displayed plenty of it.
“Since the departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, I detect a maturity in Son’s game I haven’t seen before – I also see a better team player this season. Both of Tottenham’s goals were brilliantly taken by Son.
“Spurs didn’t sulk over the awarded penalty either but had every right to make a fuss. The rule is a joke and must be scrapped.”
Spurs Web Opinion
There is no doubt that Son seems to be relishing being Tottenham’s main man upfront following Kane’s departure. We have seen the South Korean step up to the plate and take more responsibility when Kane has been injured in the past. I would not put it beyond him to get 25 goals this season.
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