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Tottenham tactics: How Moussa Sissoko helps Spurs

By Rucker Haringey

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10: Moussa Sissoko of France is challenged by Cedric (L) and William Carvalho of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France on July 10, 2016 in Paris, France. Portugal won the match 1-0. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Popperfoto/Getty Images).
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 10: Moussa Sissoko of France is challenged by Cedric (L) and William Carvalho of Portugal during the UEFA EURO 2016 Final match between Portugal and France at Stade de France on July 10, 2016 in Paris, France. Portugal won the match 1-0. (Photo by Bob Thomas/Popperfoto/Getty Images). /
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Tottenham will benefit greatly from Moussa Sissoko’s versatility

The vast majority of Tottenham fans are delighted with the last-minute addition of Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko. Heading into Deadline Day, there was a real concern that the club weren’t prepared to spend to back manager Mauricio Pochettino. The acquisition of Sissoko for a reported fee of 30 million pounds makes it pretty clear the club are behind the manager.

The question transitions from who should Spurs sign, to how Spurs’ new signings will help the club on the pitch. In particular, Sissoko will help Tottenham by providing cover to all five midfield positions.

In some ways, the purchase of Sissoko allows the club to kill two birds with one stone. Tottenham entered Deadline Day a little light in both the attacking and defensive midfield positions. They weren’t destitute at any spot on the pitch, but they needed additions to allow the club to compete on all fronts this season.

Sissoko is the rare player who can thrive anywhere in Pochettino’s midfield. He also has the added bonus of legitimate Premier League experience in both spots. Paying 30 million pounds for Sissoko likely allowed Daniel Levy to make one purchase, instead of two.

More interestingly, Sissoko’s arrival protects Tottenham against any sort of prolonged absence by Mousa Dembele. It’s obvious how much the club struggles without him in the heart of their midfield. The reason for those struggles, is that neither Eric Dier or Victor Wanyama can really carry the ball forward from the double-pivot.

The French international has made a living doing just that. He lacks the defensive chops to be an ideal starter in the defensive midfield against elite competition, but he’s athletic enough to do a job there. He’s certainly competent enough to deploy in the double pivot against lesser competition who might want to park the bus against Spurs. Think of him as a lesser version of Dembele.

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His best position for Tottenham may be as an attacking midfielder though. His offensive game is certainly his strength. He thrives when he’s given the license to storm forward with the ball at his feet. He’s exactly the sort of direct, attacking threat that Pochettino described wanting earlier this week.

Look for Pochettino to immediately insert him into a rotation with his current attacking midfield trio of Dele Alli, Erik Lamela and Christian Eriksen. He doesn’t quite have the vision to start in the number ten role, but he can play on either flank. He gives the club speed they’ve sorely lacked as well.

Paying 30 million pounds for a bench player might not sit well with some, but it’s the right move by Tottenham in this instance. Moussa Sissoko gives Pochettino a game-changing option off the bench, and also a great deal of insurance over a great many positions. He’s just the sort of player the Spurs boss wanted and needed this summer.

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