It’s hard to pick the most impressive part of Ange Postecoglou‘s team right now, but if we had to choose just one, the midfield has to be considered the most successful area at present.

The central midfield pairing of Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma has been a revelation for Spurs, helping Postecoglou’s side to dominate games in possession. Meanwhile, James Maddison has arguably been the signing of the season.

The 26-year-old has had a huge impact since joining from Leicester City in the summer, and has three goals and five assists to his name already this term (Transfermarkt).

Aside from his attacking output, Maddison has proven himself to be a huge influence on the team in many other ways, and has relished his role as one of Postecoglou’s vice-captains.

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Will Maddison be Spurs captain one day?

Speaking to Kick Game, Bissouma was full of praise for Maddison, and predicted the England international might be the captain of Tottenham Hotspur one day.

He said: “He’s a good guy, he’s really good. [He’s always] trying to know what’s happening and trying to check on everyone. I think he can be a good captain in the future as well, but as a player I love him.

Bissouma hasn’t always enjoyed Maddison’s performances though, but only because he had to play against him.

“Do you know what? When I was at Brighton there was only two players making me crazy when I was playing against [them],” Bissouma added. “First one was Madders, second was [Jack] Grealish. Now I’m playing with Madders, I’m so happy to have him on my team.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Maddison will make a great captain one day, and I’ve no doubt that he will succeed Sonny when the time comes. He seems like the perfect captain, in that he leads by example but also has such a strong personality and isn’t afraid to step up and speak for his team, too.

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It is not just the fact that Tottenham are sitting at the top of the table that has got Spurs fans excited but also the kind of performances that the team have delivered this season.

The Lilywhites have taken the game to the opposition in every single one of their encounters and have dominated proceedings.

The players are playing with a kind of self-belief that you would expect from a Champion side, which is why they have been able to score later winners on multiple occasions already.

The atmosphere around the club has been brilliant so far, with the players noticeably enjoying each other’s company and having developed a close relationship with the supporters.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 2: Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor on September 2, 2023 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Yves Bissouma is a big fan of Ange Postecoglou

Bissouma admitted that the current squad at Tottenham feels like one big family and credited Postecoglou for creating the kind of atmosphere that exists at the club right now.

The midfield told Kick Game: “This group is very close, we are like a family. We work. We work so hard every day. 

“The manager is a very good manager, he gives the players very good energy. In football, if you have a really good manager who is very close to his players, I think it is really important. For me, he is one of the best coaches that I have had in my career.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The contrast between the atmosphere we saw at Tottenham at the end of last season and what we are seeing now is difficult to believe. Apart from other things, that shows the value of playing the kind of attacking football that both the players and fans enjoy.

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Bissouma was widely seen as one of the best midfielders during his time at Brighton and many expected the 27-year-old to kick on to the next level following his switch to Spurs last year.

However, the Malian had a campaign to forget in 2022-23, often being overlooked by Antonio Conte, and picking up an injury that kept him out for the majority of the second half of the season.

Right since the start of the pre-season this summer, there were signs that the midfielder would thrive in Ange Postecoglou’s system and that is exactly what has transpired.

Tottenham’s midfield three of Bissouma, Pape Sarr and James Maddison have complemented each other quite well and have helped the Lilywhites dominate proceedings in almost all of their encounters this season.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Yves Bissouma rates himself as the best in the league

Bissouma is certainly not lacking in confidence, expressing his intention to continue in the same vein and show everyone what he is capable of.

When asked if he is the best number eight in the Premier League, the former Seagulls star told Kick Game: “Yes, I think it is true because I believe in myself. We have to continue with how we have because football is very tough. We have to continue to work and then one day people will see.”

Spurs Web Opinion

This sort of confidence (and even slight arrogance) can only be a good thing and Bissouma is not the only Spurs player who has got it, with the likes of James Maddison and Destiny Udogie also playing with a king of swagger that suggests that they believe they are better than everyone else.

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Bissouma had a season to forget in 2022-23 following his switch from Brighton, with the midfielder struggling to get game time under Antonio Conte, who even publicly stated that the Mali international was finding it difficult to come to terms with the tactical requirements of his system (The Athletic).

Just when the 27-year-old started getting regular game time, he picked up an injury that kept him out of action for almost the entirety of the second half of the campaign.

However, Bissouma has hit the ground running this season, looking much more like the player we saw at the Seagulls.

He has quickly made himself undroppable, given his tireless defensive work in front of the Tottenham backline and his ability to handle the ball in tight areas of the pitch.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Yves Bissouma is impressing this season at Spurs

Adebayor has now told talkSPORT (26/10 9:11 am): “[Yves] Bissouma is playing one of the best football, him and [Pape Matar] Sarr in the middle, the coach has given them confidence.

“Bissouma is trying to take the maximum risk that he can take in the middle and Maddison is being the playmaker. When they are going in half-time [against Arsenal], he is the player that is calming them down, holding the ball quite well.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Bissouma’s press resistance and ability to carry the ball is undoubtedly one of the main reasons why we have won the midfield battle more often than not this season.

While the Mali international is not the best of passers, that is an area where Bentancur excels, which is why I am excited to see how those two play together.

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Opposition fans and pundits have been waiting for Tottenham’s bubble to burst and for them to fall away but there is no sign of that happening so far.

There has been plenty of discussion in the media regarding how long Spurs can sustain their current run of form, with the general consensus among pundits being that the Lilywhites have no chance of competing for the title (Football.London).

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 23: James Maddison of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal with teammate Son Heung-Min during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 23, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Can Spurs cope without James Maddison?

Murphy believes that Tottenham might struggle to pick up results consistently if they lose either Bissouma or Maddison to an injury.

The pundit also asserted that the real test for Ange Posteocoglou’s men will come when they hit a bad run of form as we will then see whether they are brave enough to continue playing the way they currently do.

The former Tottenham midfielder told talkSPORT: “The way they play, which is really brave, playing out. They continue to do it. They nearly, remember in the Arsenal game, shot themselves in the foot when Maddison dropped deep and Jesus missed that chance.

“The test will come for any group of footballers to maintain that footballing philosophy when you’ve lost a few games and there’s murmurs. That’s when we’ll see. I don’t think they’ll change. I think he’s given them the freedom to do it.

“They’ve got quality. If they keep Bissouma and Maddison fit, they’ll keep doing it. But if they lose a few players and a few of them hide a bit, you might see a little poor run of form.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The one thing we know about Postecoglou is that the style of play is a complete non-negotiable for him. So, there is no chance of Spurs changing their approach if they hit a bad patch of form, like they did under Mourinho for example.

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Apply this to a Premier League campaign and it means it is a large enough sample size for people to start getting excited – and justifiably so.

Let’s get it right then. A quarter of the way through the 2023-24 Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur are top of the league. Now the cynical out there, and there are a few, will point to similar seasons where the club had good starts and roll their eyes.

Indeed, last season was the best the club has had in the Premier League. But even the most partisan of fans must admit that the football was not good. We were winning games solely through the brilliance of individuals and that formula does not last – just look at Manchester United this season.

Quite rightly, I believe, I laughed incredulously when some people tried to make a comparison between the manager of month successes of Ange and Nuno. Nuno won his after three 1-0 victories. Now I will not take anything away from him for the City win.

But the subsequent performances over Watford and Wolves were turgid and lucky. Conversely, Ange’s draw and two wins, were jammed full with daring, verve and panache. Above all, there is a plan and a clearly defined way of playing.

Roll on to the ninth game and very little has changed. The team has stayed true to their principles and sit on top of the pile. Unlike those previous campaigns, you cannot point to any lucky points acquired. Admittedly, we were, for once, on the right side of fortune with the Liverpool VAR debacle, but based on the stats for that game, we should have won.

People may argue that we could have won against Arsenal, but conversely, we could have lost quite easily – so a share of the spoils was about right.

Thus, I am left with a dilemma. Do I, in true Big Ange Cult tradition, commit to a wholehearted belief that we could indeed win the league? Or do I err on the side of caution and play down the possibility?

If I wanted to consider the title a viable option, I could draw on the Leicester experience of 2016. Weirdly, there are a number of similarities.

Both sides only had a fixture list consisting of mainly league games. In the make-up of the teams, there are genuine comparisons. A free-scoring forward: for Vardy, read Son. A centre midfielder capable of dictating play and breaking up attacks: Kante/ Bissouma, and a midfield maestro capable of scoring and assisting: Mahrez and Maddison. All of whom played in front of a solid, consistent and well-drilled defence and ‘keeper. Even as I write this, I am tempted to believe.

(Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Can Tottenham really win the Premier League?

Yet I can’t do it – for two reasons.

Firstly, the ability Leicester had that season to put out the same starting eleven almost beggared belief. Too many of our key players have a history of picking up an injury and being out for a period of time: Maddison, Bissouma, Son and Romero have all had significant lay-offs in the last couple of years, and an injury to one or more of those players could prove fatal to any potential title charge.

Indeed, the Fulham gamed served to illuminate quite starkly our lack of depth outside the starting eleven. Without Bissouma, the slick play out from the back was just not possible at the level it has been. Credit to Sarr and Hojbjerg for trying, but they do not have the skillset to receive the ball, spin on a sixpence and release the forwards in a fluid motion.

Not many do. This in turn meant the defenders, Romero in particular, were more profligate on the ball and were trying to force the issue more than they have done recently.

Similarly, if Romero or Van de Ven were to miss games, the drop-off would be significant. The pace, awareness and technique of our defensive duo has been beautiful to behold and has evoked nostalgic memories of Jan and Toby.

However, with Sanchez being sold the back-up looks bare. Ashley Phillips has been commanding a place on the bench of late and I wonder if he is showing something in training that gives Ange the impression that the youngster could be ready to step up.

Even so, he is untried, unknown and ostensibly a shot in the dark. Our full-backs have defied expectations and have performed at a superb level so far this season, but an injury to either, Destiny in particular weakens our team significantly.

Further up the pitch, it has become apparent that James Maddison is the literal and metaphorical heartbeat of this team. There is no one in the squad who comes close to giving us what he offers. The same could be said of Son, who is proving to be ruthless in front of goal in his new central position.

Indeed, the striking options beyond Son and Kulu, don’t scream out ‘consistent high performance’. Brennan Johnson is an exciting prospect, but needs to be given time to bed into the forward three.

The injuries to Perisic and Solomon do not help the cause, the Croatian, in particular, seemed to finally have been clicking into the player we thought we had signed.

Then there is Richarlison. Although I was never convinced that he had the ability to play for a top Premier League team, I wanted to give the benefit of the doubt. Sadly, the previous eighteen months have brutally demonstrated that Tottenham is too much of a step up – especially in this new way of playing that demands high technical ability, vision and subtlety.

All this could be potentially excused if he was able to convert chances. Unfortunately, he is not and it even appeared against Fulham that the opposition were happy for him to be on the ball, whereas Maddison, Kulu and Son were instantly harassed and closed down.

He is just not good enough and Spurs should cash in as soon as possible, because he will only depreciate in value.

The second reason I can’t entertain a title tilt is the quality of opposition. In 2015-16, Tottenham should have won it. Not only did they fail to, they came third in a two-horse race.

There were few viable contenders that year in all fairness. Arsenal were limping towards to end of the Wenger era, Klopp’s time at Liverpool was just in its infancy, and Manchester City and Chelsea were awaiting the arrival of Pep and Conte respectively.

Manchester United, for those that are interested, were in another fruitless transitional phase as they desperately sought (and still seek) to effectively replace Sir Alex Ferguson.

This season the calibre of opposition is much greater. The Manchester City juggernaut shows little sign of abating, despite the De Bruyne injury. At Liverpool, Klopp’s recent reinvention is in full swing and, as much as we hate to accept it, Arsenal are a formidable opponent under Mikel Arteta.

To be finishing ahead of one of these teams would be impressive – all of them, highly unlikely. Add into the mix teams such as Newcastle, Villa and Brighton and it looks like a tough league to be competing in.

I am loving watching Tottenham, but any fans who truly understand football will understand that Spurs supporters saying ‘Why not?’ are saying so with their tongue firmly in their cheek.

Certain outlets and radio shows will try and advance the ‘Tottenham for the title’ talk because it provokes outrage and debate. The truth is that this team need to evolve and improve without the added pressure of being identified as title contenders.

The future is bright and undoubtedly exciting, so let’s just enjoy the ride without worrying about the destination just yet.

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Life at Tottenham is going pretty well for Pape Sarr right now. The 20-year-old signed for the club in the summer of 2021, but has only just started to flourish under his new manager, Ange Postecoglou.

The midfielder has formed a brilliant partnership with Yves Bissouma so far this season, and appears to be a key figure in Postecoglou’s squad now. Sarr has one goal and one assist in nine games this term (Transfermarkt).

It seems the sky is the limit for the young Senegal international, and he certainly has plenty of superstars to look up to, both in the current crop of Tottenham players, and among heroes from the recent past.

Visionhaus/Getty Images

Sarr creates his perfect Tottenham footballer

In an interview with Fubo TV Canada, Sarr was asked to look at his teammates, and those who have featured for Spurs in the past, and assemble a perfect footballer.

When asked for a right foot, Sarr named his club captain, Heung-min Son. For the left foot, he chose former Spurs man, Gareth Bale.

In terms of speed, Sarr selected Kyle Walker, and for strength, he picked his current midfield partner, Yves Bissouma. Then, in the heading department, Sarr chose Harry Kane.

Build the Perfect Footballer: Tottenham Edition with Pape Matar Sarr @fuboTVCanada pic.twitter.com/TBV0c9Q79N

— FOOTY CULTURE (@thefootyculture) October 25, 2023

To conclude, Sarr was asked if his creation could win the Ballon D’Or, and Sarr replied: “Yes definitely.

Finally, Sarr then added: “You just add Modric’s football IQ.”

Spurs Web Opinion

What a player that would be. Now if we can just find a way to make that player a reality and make sure he signs for Tottenham, we’ll be in business. I can’t really think of any other way to improve on Sarr’s choices, to be honest.

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Spurs seemed to be in a positive rhythm during the first half at Kenilworth Road, creating chance after chance, albeit without finding the back of the net.

However, on the stroke of half-time, Bissouma attempted to weave his way into the box and chose to take a dive over a Luton defender’s leg, earning him his marching orders and putting Spurs on the back foot.

Fortunately, the Lilywhites were able to come out of the away match with all three points thanks to a James Maddison moment of magic and Micky Van de Ven’s first goal for the club.

Bissouma was apparently relieved that his teammates had managed to spare his blushes, but Postecoglou thinks he will have taken a fair few lessons from the experience.

LUTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur leaves the pitch after being shown a red card during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur at Kenilworth Road on October 07, 2023 in Luton, England. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)

Bissouma will learn from his red card at Spurs

On how Bissouma reacted to the red card, Postecoglou said (Football London): “In terms of Biss himself, he was disappointed but his teammates got the job done and he’s appreciative of that and he saw the team win without him. All these things are lessons.

“As I keep saying, I don’t need to keep reinforcing anything, the players are well aware of consequences of actions & I don’t need to make any further point on that.”

On the Bissouma vs Hojbjerg competition, Ange added: “It’s no different to any other week. They’re not really dilemmas, just choices that people in my position have to make and I’ve always made those decisions pretty simply and cleanly about what I think we need.

“Tomorrow night we’ll start with a certain group of players and finish with another and it’s about trying to get the job done. When that game is done, we’ll look to the next one.

“It’s good to have Biss available, he’s been a big part of what we’re doing. The team did well the other night so that should make us stronger.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

I am in two minds about whether it makes sense to start Bissouma tomorrow. Part of me would rather Hojbjerg played to guarantee that Bissouma is available for the Chelsea match. One yellow against Palace and he would be suspended yet again.

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Postecoglou has had to deal with a lot of doubters every step of the way through his managerial journey and that was no do different at Spurs, with some people writing off the Australian before he even began.

In fact, #NoToPostecoglou was trending on social media when the 58-year-old was first seriously linked with the Tottenham job, with some supporters questioning his lack of experience at the top level.

However, in a matter of months, the new Spurs head coach has completely transformed the mood around the club, with fans now seemingly in love with him.

The same can be said of the Tottenham players, who appear to be loving life under the former Celtic boss, who has given them the freedom to express themselves.

KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Ange Postecoglou reminds Bissouma of Potter

Perhaps the player to have improved the most since Postecoglou’s arrival is Bissouma, and the Mali international has now remarked that the energy that the Australian brings is inspiring.

He told Colinterview about the Tottenham boss: “I was going to say. He has this determination about him. He has this crazy energy, and it’s this energy that he transmits to the team.

“He has crazy energy. This coach is something crazy. He reminds a little of Graham [Potter]. He has this crazy energy, it’s incredible.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Trusting players and removing the fear of failure appears to be quite central to Postecoglou’s philosophy. Additionally, the 58-year-old is also an excellent communicator and we have snippets on how inspirational his team talks can be, which is perhaps what Bissouma is referring to.

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The Emirates has not been a happy hunting ground for Spurs sides over the last couple of years and many pundits expected Tottenham’s bubble to burst when they made the trip across North London.

In fact, the likes of Paul Merson even suggested ahead of the game that the Lilywhites would be blown away by the Gunners if they tried to play expansive, attacking football (Sportskeeda).

However, Ange Postecoglou’s men controlled proceedings for large parts of the encounter and came away with a deserved 2-2 draw, with the home side only getting on the scoresheet due to a penalty and a Cristian Romero own-goal.

(Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)

Bissouma insisted that he and his teammates did not stick to their principles in the first half, which is why they had to make do with a draw.

Spurs were gutted with just a draw away to Arsenal

The Mali international told Colinterview – Oh My Goal about the 2-2 draw: “Yeah. Yeah we’re disappointed. It was a very good game but we didn’t respect our principles. If we had respected our principles, we would’ve won the game.

“Especially the first half. There were 2 or 3 mix-ups, and then [this or that]. We knew they would start the game pressing us because they know we play with the ball now. 

“We knew it, we knew it all. But you know, during the game things happen. But no one is surprised at all and I’m telling you, some results we’re actually disappointed by.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Postecoglou evidently has very high standards in terms of the style of play he expects from his side and is seemingly process-oriented rather than results-oriented.

So, even though we came away with an admirable result against Arsenal, it appears as if he has stressed to the side that he was not pleased with the lack of bravery they showed on the ball during parts of the first half.

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Since the arrival of Ange Postecoglou, it’s fair to say a number of players have excelled in his attacking, expansive system.

The team as a whole is flourishing right now, and sits on top of the Premier League table as we head into the weekend’s action.

After a dismal campaign last year, the likes of Cristian Romero, Heung-min Son, and Dejan Kulusevski appear to be back to their best.

Meanwhile, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr have formed a terrific partnership in the middle of the park and appear to be the choice pairing in central midfield, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg losing his regular spot.

One of the stars of the season so far, has been young Destiny Udogie. Having signed for Spurs last summer, he spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan with his former club Udinese, but has certainly made his arrival in North London felt this term.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Bissouma, Sarr, and Udogie are on the rise

Apparently, the trio of Bissouma, Sarr, and Udogie, were all ‘surplus to requirements’ at Tottenham previously, but have managed to salvage their careers, according to Tim Sherwood.

He told the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast: “If you’re a player in that dressing room, the manager gives you the confidence to go toe-to-toe with any team. You have a manager who trusts you and he’s improved the individuals.

“There are loads of players there like Sarr, and Udogie who’s been fantastic when he’s come back from loan, Bissouma has been outstanding. Everyone thought they were surplus to requirements, but suddenly this guy has shown them a bit of love and now the recruitment doesn’t look half bad.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The idea that these three were surplus to requirements is a bit of a stretch. I think Bissouma was always going to be given the time to settle in, and Udogie stayed at Udinese to help his development.

Sarr is the only one who I think was close to leaving, and while they have all performed brilliantly this season, I don’t think they exactly needed to save their careers.

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Of course, their leave depends entirely on whether they are selected and if they are injury-free at the time, but one would expect the high-flying Spurs duo to make the trip to Africa.

Bissouma has returned to his Brighton form in the pivot role under Ange Postecoglou, while Sarr has been a revelation in his breakthrough Tottenham campaign.

Of course, the Spurs youngster already has an AFCON winner’s medal to his name as he was part of the Senegal squad that lifted the trophy in 2022.

(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma off to AFCON

The AFCON 2024 draw took place last week and Senegal will face Cameroon, Guinea and The Gambia, while Bissouma’s Mali will play Tunisia, South Africa, and Namibia (FootballLondon).

Sarr will play his first game on January 15, and his final group stage match on January 23, while Bissouma will play between January 16 and January 24.

If either of the Spurs duo make it all the way to the final, they could be absent until February 11 and beyond (if celebrations are required).

Spurs Web Opinion:

I wonder whether Spurs will dip into the market early for midfield cover with both players leaving for a decent chunk of time. Tottenham already need more midfield depth, so it could be the perfect time to pull the trigger on a transfer.

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After a disappointing first season at Tottenham Hotspur which was marred by injury issues and Antonio Conte claiming that the midfielder was struggling with the tactical demands of his playing style (The Athletic), Bissouma has looked like a player reborn this campaign.

The midfielder was shown two yellow cards in the space of ten minutes before half-time in their trip to Kenilworth Road last weekend.

At the 38 minute mark, he dragged down Chiedozie Ogbene after Pedro Porro was dispossessed in midfield and was shown a yellow which was already enough to rule him out of their next game with Fulham after the international break after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign.

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Bissouma’s sending off at Luton was foolish

A moment of madness in first half stoppage time saw Bissouma throw himself down to the ground on the edge of the Luton box in a bid to win a free-kick with referee John Brooks showing him a second yellow before the break.

Wright told Premier League Productions(09/10/23 at 2:30 pm): “Ange Postecoglou will be saying ‘you can’t get sent off for that’.  Not with what Tottenham are trying to do because, against another team, it could have cost them. 

“Apart from that silly dive that he did. He has been outstanding this season. He is one of the major parts as to why they are ticking and doing so well.”

SpursWeb Opinion

Bissouma has been brilliant for Tottenham this season and will hopefully learn from his mistake which with respect to Luton, would have been severely punished by a more established Premier League side.

He needs to remember that he still remains on the cusp of another ban if he picks up one more yellow card when he returns due to a technicality.  Following his red card, Bissouma remains on four yellow cards as the sending off supersedes the first booking he received last Saturday afternoon.

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Tottenham go into the international break at the top of the Premier League table after an incredible start to the season under Ange Postecoglou.

The Spurs boss has bid farewell to a large portion of his squad for the next couple of weeks, as various players head out to join up with their national squads.

There are Euro 2024 qualifiers, friendly matches, youth squad action, and even some World Cup 2026 qualifiers on the way in the coming days.

On Wednesday, Ben Davies captained Wales to a 4-0 win over Gibraltar at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground. The Spurs defender even opened the scoring on the night, nodding home from three yards out.

Meanwhile, Tottenham youngsters Luca Gunter and Ashley Phillips played the full 90 minutes as England U19s drew 0-0 with Montenegro. Alfie Dorrington was an unused substitute for the game, while Jamie Donley didn’t make the matchday squad.

Fellow youngster, Will Andiyapan, was in action for Wales U19s, playing the full 90 minutes in another 0-0 draw, against Austria.

SOLNA, SWEDEN – MARCH 24: Dejan Kulusevski of Sweden during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group A match between Sweden and Belgium at Friends Arena on March 24, 2023 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)

When do Spurs players have international games?

Here are the upcoming international games for the Tottenham Hotspur players.

Heung-min Son: South Korea vs Tunisia (friendly) October 13 at 12pm, South Korea vs Vietnam (friendly) October 17 at 12pm

James Maddison: England vs Australia (friendly) October 13 at 7:45pm, England vs Italy (Euro 2024 qualifier) October 17 at 7:45pm

Dejan Kulusevski: Sweden vs Moldova (friendly) October 12 at 6pm, Belgium vs Sweden (Euro 2024 qualifier) October 16 at 7:45pm

Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero: Argentina vs Paraguay (World Cup 2026 qualifier) October 13 at 12am, Peru vs Argentina (World Cup 2026 qualifier) October 18 at 3am

Micky van de Ven: Netherlands vs France (Euro 2024 qualifier) October 13 at 7:45pm, Greece vs Netherlands (Euro 2024 qualifier) October 16 at 7:45pm

Destiny Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario: Italy vs Malta (Euro 2024 qualifier) October 14 at 7:45pm, England vs Italy (Euro 2024 qualifier) October 17 at 7:45pm

Yves Bissouma: Mali vs Saudi Arabia (friendly) October 17 at 4pm

Pape Matar Sarr: Senegal vs Cameroon (friendly) October 16 at 7:30pm

Richarlison: Brazil vs Venezuela (World Cup 2026 qualifier) October 13 at 1:30am, Uruguay vs Brazil (World Cup 2026 qualifier) October 18 at 1am

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Denmark vs Kazakhstan (Euro 2024 qualifier) October 14 at 7:45pm, San Marino vs Denmark (Euro 2024 qualifier) October 17 at 7:45pm

Ben Davies and Joe Rodon: Wales vs Croatia (Euro 2024 qualifier) October 15 at 7:45pm

Dane Scarlett: England U21s vs Serbia U21s (Euro qualifier) October 12 at 7:45pm, Slovakia U21s vs England U21s (Euro qualifier) October 16 at 5:30pm

Alfie Devine: Romania U20s vs England U20s (Euro Lite) October 12 at 5pm, England U20s vs Portugal U20s (Euro Lite) October 17 at 7pm

Alfie Dorrington, Ashley Phillips, Jamie Donley, and Luca Gunter: England U19s vs Wales U19s (Euro qualifier) October 14 at 2pm, England U19s vs Austria U19s (Euro qualifier) October 17 at 5pm

Will Andiyapan: Wales U19s vs England U19s (Euro qualifier) October 14 at 2pm, Montenegro U19s vs Wales U19s (Euro qualifier) October 17 at 5pm

Josh Keeley: Latvia U21s vs Republic of Ireland U21s (Euro qualifier) October 13 at 1pm

Mikey Moore and Callum Olusesi: England U17s vs Norway U17s (friendly) October 13 at 12pm

The post Every international fixture involving Tottenham Hotspur players this week appeared first on Spurs Web - Tottenham Hotspur Football News.

Bissouma had an extremely disappointing first season at Tottenham following his switch from Brighton in 2022, with the midfielder struggling to get starts under his belt in the first half of the season.

In fact, Antonio Conte even publicly stated that the 27-year-old was struggling to cope with the tactical demands of the system (The Athletic).

Just when the midfielder started to get regular game time under his belt, he picked up an injury that kept him out of the majority of the second half of the campaign.

Bissouma has been a player reborn under Postecoglou, quickly establishing himself as one of Tottenham’s most important players.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Would Yves Bissouma had left Tottenham?

The Mali international has formed a formidable partnership with Pape Sarr in the middle of the park and will undoubtedly be a huge miss for the Lilywhites when he serves his suspension against Fulham after being sent off against Luton Town.

Sherwood has now told Premier League Productions (09/10/23 at 2:25 pm): “Bissouma is a great example, for me. He was on his way out. No one was talking about him being any good.

“But he is more than that. He is an excellent footballer. He is showing his attributes now for a manager who wants to put his arm around him, show him some love and really express him in the correct light.

“I think this manager has to take an awful lot of credit. He has worked tirelessly on the training pitch. He has got the message across. Put the belief into the group of players.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Bissouma is a player who likes to express himself, which he has the freedom to do in Postecoglou’s system. No one who watched the 27-year-old play at Brighton regularly would be surprised by how well he is doing this season.

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Bissouma, who had booked midway into the first half for stopping a counter-attack, decided to throw himself to the ground just outside the box just before half-time.

The referee was quick to spot that there was no contact and had no choice but to hand a second yellow card to the Mali international.

That complicated matters for Spurs in the second half but they showed plenty of fight to deal with the aerial bombardment from the home side and managed to eke out a 1-0 win despite having to play with a man less for 45 minutes plus stoppage time.

Postecoglou insisted after the game that Bissouma had made a mistake and backed the midfielder to bounce back from the setback (Football.London).

LUTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Referee, John Brooks shows a red card to Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur at Kenilworth Road on October 07, 2023 in Luton, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Did Ange have words with Bissouma in private?

However, Zamora believes that the Spurs boss would have had much sterner words with the Mali international in private following his antics on Saturday.

The former Spurs striker told Stadium Astro: “There’s a part of that mentality in terms of what’s happened on the pitch with a player getting sent off and one of those [yellow cards] for diving.

“It’s something that he [Ange Postecoglou] will have to have a strong conversation about and listen I think they’ve got away with it lightly in terms of it.

“They had a couple of chances, they (Luton) didn’t put them away, another team they’d have been punished severely and it could have cost the team three points.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I do not think Ange will tell Bissouma off for that as it was just a poor decision in the moment that the midfielder himself will be regretting. I am sure that the 27-year-old will learn from this mistake.

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Bissouma had picked up a yellow card midway into the first half at Luton Town for cynically stopping a counter-attack, which was his fifth caution of the season.

According to the Premier League’s rules, that meant that the Mali International was suspended for the clash against Fulham.

The 27-year-old was then sent off after receiving a second yellow for simulation towards the end of the half, with a red card also entailing a one-match suspension.

(Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)

Red card cancels out original yellow card ban

Gold has now explained that because Bissouma got a red card at Kenilworth Road, he is still technically considered to be on four yellows.

That means that when the midfielder returns after serving his suspension against Fulham, he will still be liable to be suspended for one more match if he picks up another caution within the first 19 league games of the season.

Spurs Web Opinion

It was a moment of madness from Bissouma at Luton, which I am sure he will learn from. Postecoglou now faces the prospect of being without the midfielder for two matches over the next few weeks, which means that he would be relying on one of Hojbjerg or Skipp to deliver.

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Yves Bissouma has been enjoying a phenomenal season so far, and appears to be totally revitalised under new manager Ange Postecoglou.

The Mali international did not have a good time in his first season with Tottenham, struggling for form, confidence, and fitness under Antonio Conte.

However, this year, he looks far more like the player he was at Brighton, if not better. Bissouma has been dominating the midfield along with Pape Matar Sarr and has been integral to the Lilywhites’ success in the early stages of this campaign. 

Bissouma went into the game against Luton Town on Saturday afternoon knowing a booking would lead to a suspension after the international break. He picked up that caution in the first half for pulling down an opponent, but then received a second yellow for a mindless dive just before halftime.

The red card left Spurs with a big task to get the win against a resilient Luton side, but thankfully the team pulled together and got the three points through Micky van de Ven‘s first goal for the club.

LUTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Referee, John Brooks shows a red card to Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur at Kenilworth Road on October 07, 2023 in Luton, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Bissouma needs to be spoken to by Spurs coaches

Speaking to the BBC after the game, Garth Crooks had stern words for Bissouma and suggested Spurs need to do something about his behaviour.

He said: “Why Yves Bissouma thought it a good idea to dive having already been booked earlier in the game beggars belief.

“His second caution was totally justified and such recklessness needs to be addressed by Tottenham’s coaching staff immediately before a costlier moment comes against a much bigger club.”

Spurs Web Opinion

After starting the season so strongly, Bissouma has really muddied his name with that dive at the weekend. It was such a stupid thing to do, and there is no excuse for it at all. I’m sure Postecoglou will have made it clear that it is not acceptable, and hopefully, Bissouma will learn his lesson.

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Tottenham had the challenge of having to play against ten men (and later nine) against Liverpool last week and they had to deal with the opposite problem against Luton, having been reduced to ten themselves right at the end of the first period.

Bissouma had been cautioned earlier in the game for stopping a Luton counter-attack with a cynical foul and when he went down without any contact at the edge of the box, he left referee John Brooks with no choice but to brandish a second yellow.

However, despite having to play 45 minutes with a man less at a hostile venue, the Lilywhites dug deep and emerged with all three points, and Postecoglou was over the moon with how his players reacted after having a man sent off.

LUTON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 07: Referee, John Brooks shows a red card to Yves Bissouma of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Luton Town and Tottenham Hotspur at Kenilworth Road on October 07, 2023 in Luton, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Bissouma will have a chance to bounce back at Spurs

When asked about Bissouma’s dismissal, the Spurs head coach told Football.London: “The referee said he had simulated and Biss made a mistake. He has been brilliant for us this year. He made a mistake and the good thing is how he reacts to these things. 

“His team-mates made sure that mistake didn’t cost us and I’m sure when Biss gets back in the team he will reciprocate and make sure that whatever else happens he can get us over the line. 

“These things happen in football. It’s disappointing. With all these things I always look at reactions. What are we doing about it? I thought the reaction was outstanding.”

Spurs Web Opinion

The one silver lining with the sending-off was that it happened right at the end of the first half, which meant that Tottenham had some time to regroup mentally and tactically. 

They came out for the second half ready to fight and believing that they could get three points, for which Ange and the coaching staff deserve a lot of credit.

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Bissouma has not only been one of Tottenham’s most consistent performances but arguably one of the best players across the Premier League so far this season.

The 27-year-old has impressed with his defensive work, constantly putting out fires in front of the ball four, and has also proven crucial in helping Spurs progress the ball up the pitch.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 2: Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor on September 2, 2023 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Rich Linley – CameraSport via Getty Images)

Bissouma is walking a suspension tightrope at Spurs

However, Tottenham could soon have to do without their key man as his yellow card against Liverpool was his fourth of the season.

Premier League rules state that players who pick up five yellow cards in the first 19 league games will have to serve a one-match suspension.

That means that if Bissouma is booked anytime in the next 12 matches, Ange Postecoglou might have to turn to either Oliver Skipp or Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Spurs Web Opinion

There is no chance that Bissouma is going to go 12 matches without picking up a yellow. So, it is actually in Tottenham’s interest that he gets booked against Luton or Fulham so that he misses a relatively easy game.

Spurs have some big games coming up against the likes of Chelsea and Villa in November, which Postecoglou would not want the Mali international to miss.

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