Ange could ease Bissouma blow by unleashing Spurs’ £85k-p/w “athlete” in surprise role – opinion
The Lilywhites could now cope with losing one of their prized possessions.
Tottenham Hotspur extended their Premier League unbeaten streak over the weekend with yet another superb victory against Luton Town.
Nevertheless, the match was ruined once more by referee drama, as the in question official correctly dismissed Yves Bissouma for two careless yellow card offenses in the first half. Missing someone who has become so crucial to Ange Postecoglou so quickly will be a major loss.
How is Yves Bissouma playing this season?
The Mali international had little opportunities after being signed by Antonio Conte, after previously shining for Brighton and Hove Albion.
However, the fresh start afforded by their new manager has already paid off, as the £25 million man is now the seventh-highest-rated player for the Lilywhites in the league with an average rating of 7.27.
The 27-year-old, who is eager to accept the ball in tight spaces and direct play, sits at the base of their midfield and acts as a bridge between the defense and the offense. Jamie O’Hara, a commentator, sought to commend him on his comeback to form, which has included maintaining a 91% pass accuracy and 3.3 tackles per game:
“I believed he was going to be a great signing when he came in from Brighton, in my opinion. He was also awful the season before. He seems incredible this season. He appears to be a player worth $100 million.
The former Celtic manager must start thinking about how to replace such a significant figure since his one-match suspension will undoubtedly be difficult to accept.
Since there aren’t many midfielders on the team who can match his style of play, it could be a good idea to try Pedro Porro in a more central position so he can really exercise his creative abilities.
What are Pedro Porro’s best qualities?
The Spaniard, after all, possesses all the qualities required to succeed in such a position, as he has excellent anticipation, is powerful in the tackle, and keeps possession sparingly.
In fact, according to FBref, the former Sporting CP player ranks in the top 1% of full-backs in Europe for blocks per 90, shot-creating actions per 90, and pass accuracy this season, averaging 83%.
Although the £85k per week star is now playing on Postecoglou’s right wing, the move would only be temporary in order to maintain the creative edge that players like Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp may lack.
Such a suggestion is especially strengthened by the fact that Emerson Royal, whose minutes have been dispersed, nevertheless possesses a 92% pass accuracy and 2.4 ball recoveries per game in the Premier League, according to Sofascore. Royal could also step in and perform if necessary.
Porro’s heat map, while naturally very focused down the right, does actually feature patches in the midfield areas, which serves to emphasize his ability to shift inside even more.
In light of Postecoglou’s enthusiasm for the new system’s adaptability, his praise for the 24-year-old should serve as unambiguous evidence:
Pedro has been fantastic. He and Destiny have both responded extremely well to the fact that we are asking for a different type of role than what they are accustomed to from our full-backs.
“They’re attempting to learn and comprehend it. Technically, Pedro is a really excellent football player, but he’s also a tremendous athlete, so I believe it suits him in many ways.
Although it won’t last forever, the home game against Fulham is a nice opportunity to test a concept that might provide a workable backup should Bissouma experience a prolonged absence later in the season.
