Harry Redknapp has named Yves Bissouma, James Maddison and Son Heung-min in his team of the week, and remarked that the Mali international’s form will be key for Spurs if they are to have a good season.
As is the norm ahead of big clashes, there were plenty of debates ahead of the North London Derby what a combined eleven between Tottenham and Arsenal will look like.
Some pundits such as Tim Sherwood (Tippy Tappy Football Podcast) and Darren Bent (talkSPORT) even suggested that not a single Spurs player would get into the current Gunners side.
Both Maddison and Son showed on Sunday just how dangerous they can be, with the pair combining for both goals while Bissouma dominated the midfield battle.
Spurs stars continue to impress Harry Redknapp
Redknapp waxed lyrical on Maddison’s display at the Emirates and praised Bissouma for his braveness on the ball.
The former Spurs manager told BetVictor (as relayed by Football.London): “My pair in the centre of midfield both come from Tottenham starting with James Maddison.
“Maddison showed true quality in some of his passing in the North London derby but also showed he wasn’t afraid to drop a bit deeper and try and collect the ball and make things happen from within his own half.
“Maddison has been a brilliant addition to the squad fitting in perfectly and is another player who can be incredibly proud of his effort to secure a point in such a big match for Spurs fans.
“My other pick from Spurs midfield will be Yves Bissouma. Bissouma was incredible particularly in the second half with a high work rate and seemingly winning every ball he needed to. I just love the way he’s not afraid to run at players from the middle of the pitch and has a big engine.
“If Tottenham are going to have a good season his form will be fundamental to ensure the midfield has the steel required to get through big games such as this North London derby.”
Redknapp also remarked that Son seems to be relishing the extra responsibility on his shoulders following Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich in the summer.
He added: “For my two forwards this week I can’t leave out Son Heung-min after his brace against Arsenal. Some may have questioned how he performed for Spurs with the changes this summer after Harry Kane left the club.
“Son to me seems to be relishing the slightly different role he is playing this season and has always been a man you can count on in big games. His electric finish lit up the game and he is gonna be my star man for this week.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It is not only Son who is benefiting from Kane’s departure but also Maddison as the England captain would have dropped deep and often taken up the positions that the 26-year-old does.
While there is no doubt that Kane is the best centre-forward in world football, there is certainly a legitimate argument to be made that we are better for having lost him, particularly given that pressing is also not one of his biggest strengths.
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