Fabrizio Romano says Postecoglou has made 27-year-old ‘feel important’ 

Fabrizio Romano has credited Ange Postecoglou’s man-management skills for managing to get the best out of Yves Bissouma.

When Bissouma arrived at Tottenham 18 months ago, the deal was seen as a major coup by many, with Spurs fans being quite excited about the acquisition.

The 27-year-old had evolved into one of the best in his position across the Premier League at Brighton and it was hoped that he would significantly strengthen Antonio Conte’s side.

However, the Malian struggled to get game time under the Italian, with the former Spurs head coach even publicly stating that the midfielder was having trouble adapting to the tactical requirements of his system (The Athletic).

Yves Bissouma is a player reborn under Postecoglou

Bissouma has had a new lease of life since Posteocoglou walked through the door in the summer, with the midfielder delivering the sort of performances this season that we saw from him during his time at the Amex Stadium.

Postecoglou might perhaps want the 27-year-old to work on his discipline, with the player picking up his second red of the season against Nottingham Forest.

Romano has now explained that Bissouma’s resurgence is entirely down to the relationship that Postecoglou has cultivated with the former Brighton man and his emphatic approach.

The journalist told CaughtOffside: “One of the biggest beneficiaries of Postecoglou’s arrival in the summer has been defensive midfielder Yves Bissouma.

“The Malian was shown a red card against Nottingham Forest on Friday but the midfielder is having a great season overall, and the main reason for this is his manager.

“Postecoglou has taken the same approach at Spurs, and with Bissouma in particular, that he has with many other players during his career. He is very direct and has trusted the team since day one.

“Postecoglou knows how to make the players feel important and this is exactly what he’s done with Bissouma. It hasn’t just been about the sporting side — the human aspect has also been key for the player and manager’s relationship.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Bissouma, like Richarlison, appears to be a confidence player and quite an emotional character. These sorts of players need an arm around their shoulder and made to feel special to play at their best. Conte was perhaps not the right man to provide that but Ange appears capable of it.