Yves Bissouma has sent a strong message to Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, showing that he is ready to step up in the absence of injured midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. The news of Bentancur’s injury, which will keep him sidelined for at least seven matches, came as a further blow to Postecoglou after a disappointing 2-1 Premier League defeat to Ipswich Town on November 10. Bentancur had been one of the few players to leave the pitch with his head held high following the loss, having scored Tottenham’s only goal. Losing the 27-year-old is a significant setback, particularly with a packed fixture schedule ahead.
However, Bissouma’s recent performances, including his standout display for Mali in their 1-0 victory over Mozambique in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on November 15, could offer Postecoglou the assurance he needs. Bissouma’s contribution in that match was critical, as he not only provided the assist for the winning goal but also played a pivotal role in controlling the midfield. He had a total of 69 touches, completed 87 percent of his passes, and recorded three key passes. Furthermore, his accuracy with long balls (100 percent) and his success rate with dribbles (four successful attempts out of seven) demonstrated his all-around capability. Defensively, he was solid as well, winning four of his seven ground duels and making a clearance and an interception.
Bissouma’s strong showing for Mali comes on the back of a promising performance for Tottenham in their 3-2 Europa League loss to Galatasaray on November 7. Although the team suffered defeat, Bissouma’s individual display was one of the brighter moments. These performances suggest that the 27-year-old midfielder, who had not always been a guaranteed starter under Postecoglou, is now finding his rhythm and could be an important figure in the coming weeks.
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Tottenham’s midfield has seen a degree of rotation this season, especially with the added demands of European football. Bentancur and Bissouma have often alternated in the starting lineup, and with Bentancur now sidelined, Postecoglou will need to rely on Bissouma to maintain the team’s balance in the middle of the park. The manager will be hoping that Bissouma’s recent form is not a temporary blip, as the Spurs squad cannot afford further injuries to key players in this area. The midfield is already a fragile spot, and with Bentancur’s absence, Bissouma will need to shoulder even more responsibility.
What will give Postecoglou added confidence is Bissouma’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively. His versatility allows him to fit into different midfield roles, whether it be as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box presence. His composure on the ball and his defensive discipline, highlighted by his ability to win duels and make interceptions, will be crucial as Tottenham aims to navigate a tricky stretch of fixtures.
For Bissouma, this could be a key moment in his Tottenham career. Since joining the club, he has shown glimpses of his quality but has struggled at times to secure a regular place in the starting XI. However, with Bentancur out, he has the chance to establish himself as a central figure in Postecoglou’s plans. His performance for Mali has certainly put him in the spotlight, and now, all eyes will be on him to replicate that form for Tottenham in the coming weeks.
As the team deals with the absence of Bentancur, Postecoglou will hope that Bissouma’s growing influence on the pitch will help steady the ship. With the pressure mounting after a series of disappointing results, the manager will need his players to step up, and Bissouma’s recent form suggests he could be one of those to do so. The next few weeks will be crucial for both Bissouma and Tottenham as they look to recover from setbacks and push forward in both domestic and European competitions.
