Moussa Sissoko and the rise of Tottenham’s forgotten men

Tottenham fans had long written off a number of the club’s fringe players. Last month, however, saw a resurgence for a couple of the forgotten men.

Moussa Sissoko

Like a phoenix from the ashes, like Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, like Buffy in Buffy the Vampire Slayer season 6, Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko crawled from the depths of the abyss and back into daylight.

Since his arrival at Spurs he has been little more than a scapegoat and a walking meme. He has looked as out-of-place as a camel in Antarctica playing in Tottenham’s dynamic frontline and fans were beginning to wonder what damning secret he held over the manager to continually stay in or around the side. However, all of a sudden, the rancour aimed the Frenchman has turned to bliss.

There was an audible groan when the midfielder’s name was announced in the starting eleven for West Ham, but it soon became an incredulous gasp as he created the only goal of the game. Moussa skinned his man and with the accuracy of a circus knife thrower put the ball right on Erik Lamela’s head – a quality assist by anyone’s standards.

Overall, there was a new zest to his play and he followed it up with his best performance for the club against Manchester City. Those muscular legs never stopped churning and he made four interceptions in a typically industrious defensive performance, but it is at the other end Spurs fans want to see him deliver.

No one can deny his pace and when he motors forward opposition players quickly disappear in the rearview mirror. Although his end product needs some work, he did break past Benjamin Mendy on a number of occasions and his directness gave the hosts plenty to think about.

His fortitude must be commended and it was heartwarming to hear the fans sing his name in Spurs’ last two outings. Is he standing at the watershed of something truly special in Lilywhite? Probably not, but he does add something to the squad and his value was summed up perfectly by Poch:

"“I think he’s a very honest, professional player. I am happy that the fans are starting to see him like a player who helps the team and helps the club and recognize his value. Of course, we cannot ask him to do different things, or things we can ask of another player, but he will always give you all that he has inside.”"

Juan Foyth

Juan Foyth is another name that hasn’t been uttered in quite some time.

The Argentinean divided opinion in a handful of cup appearances last season. His build, youthful looks, and contemporary style were always going to attract naysayers; but a magisterial performance on Wednesday night united all Spurs fans in acclaim for the youngster.

Against the savvy of Javier Hernandez, class of Marko Arnautavic, and strength of Michail Antonio, the unproven defender had plenty of questions to answer. But he responded spectacularly on all counts and supporters got to witness previously unseen facets to his game.

The Argentine’s hefty slide tackles surprised many and would typically be more associated with his counterpart Davinson Sanchez; while, his last-ditch interceptions were akin to those of Jan Vertonghen.

At 20 years-of-age the adroit defender looks the perfect long-term foil for Sanchez and Wednesday may long be remembered as the night Foyth turned from a boy to a man.

Post-match there was finally some joviality in Pochettino’s tune. He was no doubt brimming with pride over his young compatriot’s performance and must have also been happy with Fernando Llorente. I’m not going to flirt with the hyperbole in the Spaniard’s case, but it was nice to see him fling out a tentacle and get on the scoresheet – especially at such a vital moment in the match.

The games will continue to come thick and fast for Tottenham who is fighting on all fronts. The resurgence of some fringe players may be vital in the club’s quest for silverware and suddenly gives Poch a much-welcomed headache.