Peter Crouch believes that one Tottenham man can be an important player for the club for many years to come if he can get his act together.
Competition intensifying in midfield
With Ange Postecoglou showing a willingness to start both James Maddison and Dejan Kuluseveski as number eights, that has meant that the competition has intensified for the holding midfield role.
Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr are now competing for the number six role, with none of the three yet to step up and make the place their own.
However, Crouch believes that one among the trio has the ability to be one of Tottenham’s most important players if he can add consistency to his game.
Bissouma’s potential
The player Crouch is referring to is Bissouma, with the former Tottenham striker suggesting that the 28-year-old does not have any obvious weaknesses in his game.
When asked why the Mali international has not kicked on at Spurs, Crouch told TNT Sports (as relayed by The Daily Mail): “It’s just consistency. I’ve seen games where I think he’s one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
“I think he’s got that much ability and he’s got players around him who can get on the ball. I think he can do a bit of everything. He’s fantastic as a defensive midfielder but I think he’s got a little bit more than that. He can play as well. He can go past people. He can pick passes out.
“He’s an all-round midfielder and he’s someone who I think, if he regains the trust of his manager and wins the belief of the fans, I think he’ll be a mainstay for a long time at this club.”
Hoddle was in agreement with Crouch but suggested that Bissouma is yet to hit the levels he did at Brighton since his arrival in North London.
The Spurs legend added about the midfielder: “When I saw him at Brighton I thought he was outstanding. That player is in there at the moment still.
“He hasn’t quite shown that yet at Tottenham. He’s done some very good things but he’s done some silly things as well where I think: “You’ve got to be more responsible in that position. But he’s got a little bit of absolutely everything as a midfield player.”
Bissouma needs to step up
While Bissouma gave a decent account of himself against Qarabag, the midfielder did have some erratic moments, giving away a penalty in the second-half, which the second half led to convert.
With Rodrigo Bentancur potentially facing a long suspension if the FA charge against him is upheld (Football.London), the former Brighton man could get a sustained run in the side as Spurs enter a busy period in their season.