What a second half of the season its been for Yves Bissouma...
That was the term used to describe the Mali international for the majority of last season.
On occasions, he would dribble past four defenders and make us believe he was Messi in disguise.
But in the defensive third, he often refused to perform the regular duties of a holding midfielder. Tackling, interceptions, clearances, and completed passes were all areas of concern.
There was hope that new coach Graham Potter could transform him into the kind of player that could step in for the aging Dale Stephens and Davy Propper.
And it certainly has worked out- at least recently.
It began on the final matchday of 2019, when we claimed a 2-0 victory- courtesy of goals from Alireza Jahanbakhsh and Aaron Mooy.
But there was an unsung hero in that match- Bissouma. This was one of the first matches that he showed us what he can truly be in the Premier League. A consistent, mature, and disruptive presence in midfield.
He registered 6 tackles (4 won) and 20 pressures (11 won). Even more promising was that 12 of his pressures were in the midfield third, showing that he made a conscious effort to win the ball back. He also managed 2 blocks, 2 clearances, and 2 interceptions. An all-around successful day.
His statistics would only improve from then on, and so would his overall performances. He continued, match after match, to disrupt the opponents attack and create chances for his own team.
On the season, Bissouma has now recorded a total of 56 tackles (35 won) and 20 interceptions.
For comparison, last year he recorded 61 tackles and 31 interceptions, but had 8 more appearances.
I believe he will exceed his tackle total from last season if given starts for the final two matches of this season. If he does, it will be some indicator of improvement.
With Potter recently preferring him to Stephens, it only means his role will grow in the Albion squad. At only 23, his future with Brighton is a bright one.
How else do you think he has improved? Leave a comment below.
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