Former Manchester United and Tottenham striker Louis Saha says Moussa Sissoko’s physicality is unrivalled in the Premier League.
Sissoko demonstrated his strength and ability to drive forward with the ball on Saturday, bursting past two Aston Villa players to set up Harry Kane for Spurs’ third goal of the game. Kane had already put the hosts 2-1 up after Tanguy Ndombele’s debut equaliser.
Last season, Sissoko went from zero to hero with a string of drastically improved performances. Once a figure of fun, the Frenchman is now one of Mauricio Pochettino’s most important players and a fan favourite.
Speaking to Bwin after the victory over Aston Villa, Saha – who scored four goals in 12 appearances for Tottenham during a short spell at the club – heaped praise on his countryman and picked out the attribute he possesses that no other Premier League player can match.
“Sissoko was a machine last season, there is no one in the league that can compete with his physicality,” Saha said. “He can bombard forward to support his strikers in a way no one else can. Importantly, he never forgets about the defensive side to his game.
“This season, Sissoko will be confident after his performances. He’s first to the tackle, quick to get the ball back and can recover a ball 10 to 15 yards before any other defensive midfielder in the league.
“He is an engine, he can run backwards and forwards all day. He has brought real quality to this Tottenham team.
“Sissoko deserves a lot more credit than he is given but Pochettino also deserves credit – he has given him the freedom to let him gain confidence and play his true game.”
Sissoko was a little rash in the penalty area on Saturday, but that’s nothing new. He snatched at a shot that eventually went out for a throw-in in the first half. Thankfully, his contributions elsewhere continue to make up for his clumsiness in the final third.
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