Yves Bissouma has had an eventful start to the 2024/25 campaign, transitioning from internal disciplinary issues at Tottenham Hotspur to scoring a sensational goal against Everton.
Known primarily for his defensive prowess, the Malian midfielder has demonstrated he can contribute offensively as well, with his recent performances capturing the attention of fans and Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou.
In Tottenham’s setup, Bissouma typically plays alongside playmaker James Maddison in the midfield, focusing on his defensive responsibilities while allowing attackers like Son Heung-Min, Dejan Kulusevski, and Brennan Johnson to spearhead the offense. Even when Dominic Solanke returns from injury, Bissouma’s role is clear: break up opposition attacks and occasionally push forward to support the play, but rarely to take on the mantle of an offensive playmaker.
However, a recent tactical experiment by Mali’s national team coach in a 1-1 African Cup of Nations qualification match against Mozambique presented Bissouma in a new, more advanced role. Playing higher up the pitch, the midfielder managed to score from outside the box, securing an equalizer for his nation. While this was a moment of brilliance, it raised questions about whether this role suits Bissouma, especially in the context of Tottenham’s strategies.
Bissouma’s Goal: A Flash of Brilliance, Not the Norm
Bissouma’s strike for Mali demonstrated his ability to deliver a thunderous goal, but this shouldn’t lead to the assumption that his role should change at Tottenham. The midfielder has always been a defensive lynchpin, excelling in breaking up play and initiating counter-attacks rather than operating as a forward-thinking player. His advanced role for Mali saw him taking a total of seven shots, but only 20% of those were on target, according to FotMob statistics.
This inefficiency in front of goal highlights the fact that while Bissouma may have moments of attacking brilliance, they are not consistent enough to justify shifting his role. Tottenham’s attacking options—Son, Kulusevski, Johnson, and Maddison—are well-equipped to score goals and provide assists, making it unnecessary for Bissouma to play an advanced position regularly.
Bissouma’s Strength Lies in His Defensive Role
Bissouma’s contributions to Tottenham lie in his ability to control the midfield and act as a shield for the backline. His 33% success rate in ground duels and lack of attempted tackles during the match against Mozambique underscore that he is not as effective in a more attacking role. His performance metrics further support this: over the past year, according to FBref, Bissouma ranks in the bottom 39th percentile for non-penalty goals among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues. He also ranks in the bottom nine percentile for assists and the bottom 22 percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area. These statistics demonstrate that his contributions are not naturally aligned with being a key offensive threat.
On the flip side, Bissouma ranks much higher in areas that showcase his defensive acumen. He is in the top 71 percentile for progressive carries, the top 94 percentile for tackles, and the top 78 percentile for interceptions. These rankings indicate that Bissouma is more suited to a deeper midfield role where he can break up play, transition the ball from defense to attack, and occasionally support offensive movements when needed.
A Waste of Talent in an Advanced Role
Deploying Bissouma in an advanced role would be an underutilization of his core strengths. His ability to read the game defensively, break up play, and make progressive carries is where he thrives. Moving him up the pitch reduces his involvement in areas where he can make the most significant impact. Tottenham benefits more from having him in a deeper position, allowing the team’s more offensively-minded players to create chances and score goals.
James Maddison, who operates as Tottenham’s main playmaker, thrives in the role Bissouma was asked to play for Mali. Maddison is the player tasked with threading passes, creating opportunities, and dictating the pace in the attacking third. In contrast, Bissouma’s game is about making critical tackles, interceptions, and transitioning from defense to attack quickly. Postecoglou must recognize that Bissouma is not built to replace Maddison or operate as a number 10. Instead, he should continue utilizing him as the defensive-minded midfielder who can occasionally push forward but should remain grounded in his primary role.
Importance of Tactical Discipline at Tottenham
Ange Postecoglou has brought a fresh, attacking philosophy to Tottenham since taking over as head coach. His system relies heavily on fluid movement, quick transitions, and precise positioning. Bissouma plays a crucial part in this system, acting as the anchor in midfield that allows Tottenham’s more attack-minded players to flourish. Shifting Bissouma into a more advanced role, as Mali’s coach did, could disrupt the balance of Postecoglou’s tactical setup.
While Bissouma’s goal for Mali was impressive, it should not lead to an overhaul of his role at Tottenham. The team is already blessed with an abundance of attacking talent, and there is no need for Bissouma to take on added responsibility in that regard. Instead, Postecoglou must continue to play Bissouma in the defensive midfield position where he has been excelling.
So: Stick to What Works
Yves Bissouma’s goal for Mali was a spectacular moment, but Tottenham must not be swayed by it. The 28-year-old’s primary value to the team lies in his defensive work, and his stats clearly show that his strengths are far more aligned with playing a deeper role. While it is always tempting to push players into new roles after standout performances, Postecoglou must resist this urge and stick to what works for Tottenham.
Bissouma’s top-tier defensive stats and his ability to shield the backline make him indispensable in his current role. Pushing him further up the pitch would be a waste of his talents, especially with players like Maddison already excelling in that space. Postecoglou should remain confident in Bissouma’s current role and continue to use him as the defensive lynchpin that allows Tottenham’s attacking players to thrive.
