Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr were both outstanding in Totttenham’s 2-0 victory over Manchester United on the second day of the Premier League. But, since one had to be chosen, Yves Bissouma inherits the title of African MVP of the weekend with his XXL performance, his second of the season after that at Brentford.
On Saturday August 19, the Red Devils endured a hellish afternoon at Tottenham. Their executioner: Yves Bissouma. The Malian midfielder disgusted his opponents in midfield. The former Lille man was at the heart of this 2-0 victory on Matchday 2 of the Premier League, with his physical stamina, above-average technique and interceptions. It was therefore only logical that he should be awarded the title of “Man of the match”.
Yves Bissouma’s personal statistics are also edifying. The 26-year-old midfielder touched 74 balls with a pass success rate of 89%, succeeded in 80% of his tackles (4/5), won 60% of his duels (9/15), made 6 recoveries, completed 4 passes in Manchester United’s final third, and also suffered 3 fouls during his 90 minutes on the pitch. An XXL performance that confirms his good form at the start of the season. On Matchday 1 at Brentford (2-2), Bissouma also shone in the heart of the game.
Bissouma-Pape Matar Sarr, a striking duo
If Yves Bissouma stood out from the crowd, it was also thanks to his sidekick in this Premier League Round 2 clash. Alongside him was Pape Matar Sarr. Lining up at the front of the defence, the two players left Casemiro and Co nothing but scraps. The Senegalese scored the opening goal, his first for Spurs. Ange Postecoglou has two choice options for his double pivot this season.
Looking back to last year
Yves Bissouma arrived from Brighton last summer for €29 million, but has been far from convincing. The Malian made 28 appearances in all competitions, with just 12 starts, including 10 in the Premier League. It has to be said that physical problems have not spared him. He was sidelined for 3 months (between February and May 2023) with an ankle injury.
A dashing youngster at the start of the new season, Yves Bissouma radiates confidence and well-being on the pitch. No doubt an extension of the confidence placed in him by his new coach Ange Postecoglou, who immediately praised the qualities of his Mali international (29 caps, 3 goals) during the preparatory matches. “In life, I’m a fun-loving person. I’m relaxed, I take my time to do good things – in soccer it’s the same, I have a lot of confidence in myself and that’s important,” Bissouma recently told Sky Sports.
