da marjack bet： Tottenham’s transfer policy has been commendable and had an understated genius about it in the last season or two. They have bought players who fit into a framework, a set of ideals, and can play in the way the team needs from the off.
da 888casino： Perhaps it was a shock reaction to the near-disastrous outcome of their spending after the world-record sale of Gareth Bale, but – whatever caused it – it has sure brought rewards for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Focusing on young, physically capable players with tactical understanding, Pochettino has been able to shape his squad into exactly what he desires. Picking players for a role, rather than signing a player and finding a role for them, the former Southampton manager, with the assistance of Daniel Levy, has given the Lilywhites a new lease of life.
Then, on August 31, there was a slight change of heart. A pretty underwhelming summer transfer window was capped off by a last-gasp grab for Moussa Sissoko. The 27-year-old versatile midfielder represents much of what Tottenham have stood for, but they had to toss their frugality out the window to seal the deal and, subsequently, add a player to their squad who is notorious for his inconsistencies.
At Newcastle, Sissoko faced criticism for a lack of effort. Insulting though it may be, that is unlikely to be an issue at Spurs. Simply put, if there is no sense that he has ‘bought in’ to Pochettino’s demands, he will be turfed out of the squad. Players are made to, at the very least, work hard in this Tottenham side. Unlike at Newcastle, Sissoko will not find himself as ‘numero uno’ at Spurs, the pecking order is strong in the squad and he’s far from the summit just yet.
As he demonstrated for France this summer – and on occasions for Newcastle – he has a lot to offer to a team. From his earlier days at Toulouse as a defensive midfielder, he has a level of defensive awareness that can be overlooked. Concentration can be lacking when asked to track runners, but his previous experience in a deeper role stands him in good stead if required. In Spurs’ side, there will be a role for him alongside either Eric Dier or Victor Wanyama in midfield, occasionally. Most likely, however, he will be used in a wide right position, or as a third central midfielder.
Unquestionably his greatest attribute is his upper body strength and ability to attack deep into opposition defences during quick attacking transitions, as many Premier League clubs have found out. When motivated to play with greater discipline offensively, Sissoko will produce the goods, as he showed playing an industrious role down the right for France.
The Frenchman’s game has more to it than many may give him credit for. His positional versatility will give Pochettino options in both the defensive and offensive lines of midfield.
Forgoing a previous transfer policy to sign a player who is such a gamble may seem odd, but it was a case of needs must for Tottenham. The manager must believe he can motivate and hone Sissoko to suit his side perfectly and, with the challenge of Champions League football, reliable, experienced depth is exactly what they needed.
It might have come at an ostentatious cost, but Sissoko could just turn out to be a great signing.
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