‘I believe in myself’ – Yves Bissouma discusses his move from Brighton to Spurs

Despite some ups and downs in his time at Tottenham Hotspur, Yves Bissouma insists he believes in his own ability and tries not to put too much pressure on himself.

Spurs signed Bissouma from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer for a reported £25m (The Athletic), which seemed a steal at the time.

Unfortunately, his first season with the Lilywhites was plagued by injury issues, and the Malian midfielder struggled to fit into Antonio Conte‘s style of play at the time.

The 27-year-old has had a much better time of it this season, and appears revitalised under new manager Ange Postecoglou. Bissouma’s early season form, partnering with Pape Sarr in the middle of the park, was pivotal to Spurs’ rise to the top of the table.

The team has stuttered somewhat in the last month, losing three games on the bounce before picking up a point against Manchester City this weekend. With this run, Bissouma’s performances have dropped slightly, too, after he made a late error at the Etihad.

Bissouma is very happy at Spurs

Speaking to Gaffer, Bissouma explained how he felt upon leaving Brighton for Spurs, and how he deals with the pressure he puts on his own back.

He said: “It was okay for me. I was really happy to sign at Tottenham. Brighton and Tottenham are very different, you can’t compare both teams. I was very happy to sign, but for me, I feel like I always do things that put pressure on myself, so everything I do I try to do as calmly as I can, because I know myself, and I believe in myself.

“I can have one or two seasons that aren’t so good, but I believe in myself, and I work hard to show people that I’m here and that I can do what I have to do. But you know football, sometimes you can be good or bad; you just have to stay focused on your goals, and that’s what I’m trying to do this year.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I’m not too concerned by Bissouma’s last few performances. He has shown he is a class act, and he just needs to find that momentum again. He’s had suspensions to deal with, and different midfield partners to get used to, but once all that settles he will be back to his best.