Why Moussa Sissoko has been Tottenham’s most influential player this term

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Tottenham Hotspur have had a rocky season in 2018/19.

The club currently sit third in the Premier League table, but have bitter rivals Arsenal breathing down their necks one point further back.

There was a point not too long ago when Tottenham were in the title race, but disappointing results saw them lose ground on Manchester City and Liverpool.

Perhaps that was always going to happen given the club’s lack of action in the previous two transfer windows.

That said, Tottenham’s squad – in the grand scheme of eveything – have coped well this term, but one man has emerged to become perhaps the most influential all them all.

TBR’s view

2018/19 was the season where Moussa Sissoko finally came good.

The Frenchman had not been a popular figure following his £30 million move from Newcastle United in 2016 (BBC Sport), but injuries to Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele allowed him to instigate a renaissance.

It was vital for Sissoko to come good because losing Dembele was a big blow for Spurs.

His influence in that midfield is huge, and something that really has cushioned the blow of losing the Belgian midway through the season.

Sissoko’s ability to drive the team forward from deep is fantastic.

Cases can be made for the likes of Heung-min Son or Harry Winks being Tottenham’s most influential player this term, but there has just been something so impressive about Sissoko’s rise.

He is a commanding force in that engine room and Mauricio Pochettino must be relieved he came good.