Moussa Sissoko has revealed that he has been using the criticism aimed at him to use as motivation to try and improve.
The midfielder has been a focal point of negativity from the Tottenham Hotspur support since his £30 million move from Newcastle United in August 2016.
His lack of consistency and failure to make an impact in matches has seen him take more than a fair share of abuse from the online Spurs fan base. However, his performance against West Ham United on Saturday was recognised by the traveling support.
Sissoko was named in Mauricio Pochettino’s starting line-up for the London derby and cut in from the right flank to cross perfectly onto the head of Erik Lamela to nod home the matchwinner.
The 29-year-old’s name was sung by the Spurs supporters at the London Stadium as he was replaced in the 89th minute for the returning Christian Eriksen.
Sissoko told ESPN: “I tried to help the team and I did well so I’m very happy with my performance,”
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“Football is up and down, and you have to try to keep the balance.
“Even the best players in the world sometimes can have a bad moment, but I try to stay positive. When you get criticised, you have to take it positively and try to train more and give more on the pitch.
“I knew all the players and staff were always behind me, and when I had the opportunities to play I’ve tried to do my best. Saturday was a good afternoon for me, so I’m very happy.
“I’m a midfielder so my job is to help the team and, when I can, try to give some assists. It was a good assist for me, so I’ll try to keep going in that way.
“We have a lot of games so we’re going to rotate the squad, and when you have the opportunity to play you have to take the chance.”
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