The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder is expected to play a big part under his new head coach and is loving life under the Australian so far
Yves Bissouma is loving life under 'Uncle' Ange Postecoglou and football.london understands that the new head coach has big plans for the Tottenham midfielder and has been building him up behind the scenes accordingly.
The 26-year-old had a tough first season at Spurs following his move from Brighton. He came down with Covid on the club's summer tour to Korea, having to remain there for a few days after the squad had departed, and then struggled to adapt to Antonio Conte's system before requiring ankle surgery during the season.
However, he returned from that to some good form under caretaker boss Ryan Mason in the final games of the campaign and football.london reported earlier this month that Bissouma has already made a big impression on the new head coach Postecoglou.
The Mali international has been a happy, confident presence around the Spurs camp during their pre-season tour in Australia and impressed in their opening match with a dominant performance as the number six in the midfield three against West Ham.
Postecoglou's brand of attacking football was clear to see already with Tottenham having 30 shots on goal to just four from David Moyes' side, but it was West Ham who walked away with the 3-2 victory from Perth's Optus Stadium.
Postecoglou has big plans for Bissouma this season and football.london understands the Australian has been repeatedly telling the midfielder what an important player he will be for him and encouraging him to lead by example with the young players. The Mali international has been heard in training speaking constantly to his younger team-mates and encouraging them during practice matches.
The respect between Bissouma and Postecoglou appears to be mutual.
"He gives us confidence. He’s like a dad, uncle, friend for us so we’re happy to be with him and we’re trying to do what he wants," said the midfielder. "[Against West Ham] he was good because we played our football the way he wanted the team to play. The result wasn’t good for us but we continue, work hard for the next game and try to win."
On the new Spurs boss he added: "He’s good with us. He gives us confidence. He comes to his players and talks to us all. That’s really important in the changing room. When the gaffer comes and speaks to his players that means everything. You know how we have to do it."
Bissouma is clearly relishing being fully fit and playing in a system that will get the best out of a player who at Brighton was considered to be one of the best midfielders then outside the Premier League's top six.
"I’m really happy to be back like this, and playing football like this, it’s amazing," he said. "The important thing is a win. We can’t just say it’s just a friendly game. We want to win everything to give us confidence before the start of the season. It’s hard. At the same time, it’s good because we’re coming stronger, and we’ll see."
Sitting at the base of Postecoglou's midfield three suits Bissouma down to the ground and he loved the role against West Ham, but he will play anywhere for the Australian.
"I really like the way we play but you have to adapt yourself," he said. "The coach can ask me to play right-back, left-back, centre-back. In my head I’m ready to play every position for my team, but I’m happy to play the way I played [against West Ham]. I really like it.
Don't try to talk to Bissouma though about the woes of last season because he has already cast it out of his mind.
"Last year is last year. I don’t have to talk about last year. It’s the past. You have to look forward and focus on the future. I’m trying to work really hard to be ready for the season," he explained.
"I’m here for the club, for the fans as well. We work hard to have a good result. Like all the players. Not just me. I say thanks to the fans because they give me motivation. They want to push me up. at the same time I’m working hard to do what I have to do."
Also in the midfield three with Bissouma on Tuesday night was James Maddison and the England international has quickly made an impression on his team-mate.
"Everyone knows he’s an amazing player. We know he’s going to help us a lot with his experience," said Bissouma. "We’re confident with him. We’re trying to push him like we push each other. He’s a really good guy. We’re happy to be with him and we know he’s going to help the team."
So what does next season hold for Bissouma and Tottenham?
"We always have big ambitions," he declared. "Everyone knows the Premier League is not easy but we’re working to get ready and we’ll see."