---
title: "Why Moussa Sissoko should be dropped from the Spurs starting line-up"
canonical: "https://readtottenham.com/2019/08/13/why-moussa-sissoko-should-be-dropped-from-the-spurs-starting-line-up/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jack Cunningham"
section: "Features"
published: "2019-08-13T13:46:19Z"
modified: "2019-08-14T15:06:47Z"
---

# Why Moussa Sissoko should be dropped from the Spurs starting line-up

Tottenham Hotspur started the season with a [3-1 win](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49215981) over Aston Villa – though they have much to thank [Christian Eriksen](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-news-christian-eriksen-transfer-latest-vs-aston-villa-match-epl-a9052731.html) for.

The 27-year-old started [on the bench](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-news-christian-eriksen-transfer-latest-vs-aston-villa-match-epl-a9052731.html) but his introduction on [64 minutes](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tottenham-news-christian-eriksen-transfer-latest-vs-aston-villa-match-epl-a9052731.html) transformed the game.

Before this Mauricio Pochettino had lined up in a [4-3-1-2 formation](https://talksport.com/football/585943/aston-villa-tottenham-christian-eriksen-moussa-sissoko-problem/) with the midfield three consisting of [Moussa Sissoko](https://talksport.com/football/585943/aston-villa-tottenham-christian-eriksen-moussa-sissoko-problem/), [Tanguy Ndombele](https://talksport.com/football/585943/aston-villa-tottenham-christian-eriksen-moussa-sissoko-problem/) and [Harry Winks](https://talksport.com/football/585943/aston-villa-tottenham-christian-eriksen-moussa-sissoko-problem/). Good enough on paper but on the pitch they did not perform.

Spurs struggled to break down a [stubborn Aston Villa](https://talksport.com/football/585943/aston-villa-tottenham-christian-eriksen-moussa-sissoko-problem/) side – and the midfield three lacked any sense of [urgency or creativity](https://talksport.com/football/585943/aston-villa-tottenham-christian-eriksen-moussa-sissoko-problem/).

This all changed when Eriksen [was brought on](https://talksport.com/football/585943/aston-villa-tottenham-christian-eriksen-moussa-sissoko-problem/) – but what that first 64 minutes showed is that Ndombele and Sissoko cannot be played together this season.

Sissoko was one of[Tottenham’s best players](https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/2019/may/moussa-sissoko-crowned-legends-player-of-the-season/) last season; however, Ndombele is better in almost [every aspect](https://totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysis/tanguy-ndombele-lyon-tactical-analysis-statistics) of the game, particularly goals and assists.

Last season the 22-year-old scored [three goals](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/tanguy-ndombele/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/450936) and provided [eight assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/tanguy-ndombele/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/450936) – while Sissoko [didn’t score](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/moussa-sissoko/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/46001)and provided [four assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/moussa-sissoko/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/46001).

This extra goal contribution from midfield could be crucial for Spurs – and the game on Saturday showed the difference between the two when it comes to finishing.

Ndombele cracked in a [superb curling strike](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AazxJVhfrno) to bring his side level – while Sissoko managed to put a shot out for a throw-in from the [six-yard box](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AazxJVhfrno), it was impressive that a Premier League footballer managed to do that.

As well as this Pochettino rates [Winks very highly](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/players/harry-winks-going-play-massive-16400536) – and he will be a [prominent part](https://www.football.london/tottenham-hotspur-fc/players/harry-winks-going-play-massive-16400536) of Tottenham’s midfield this season, and with [Giovani Lo Celso](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/tottenham-hotspur/startseite/verein/148) and [Dele Alli](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/tottenham-hotspur/startseite/verein/148) still to come back one of Sissoko or Ndombele will have to miss out.

Let’s be honest it is hardly going to be Spurs’[new record signing](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48841318) is it?

It, therefore, seems that it will be Sissoko who will be dropped – it will certainly be better than trying to play both Ndombele and Sissoko together.