Moussa Sissoko: Tottenham Target in Top Form for Toulouse Sparking Inter Interest
Tottenham were reportedly chasing young Toulouse midfielder Moussa Sissoko last summer but were put off by his huge price-tag. Any chance of the club resurrecting the deal in January may rest on the interest of a certain Jose Mourinho who has had the player scouted this season. If Inter do make their move it would Harry Redknapp’s chances of signing the Frenchman but would open up the possibility of Sulley Muntari moving to White Hart Lane.
It is hardly surprising that there’s so much interest in 20-year-old Sissoko as he was a revelation last season for the French club that finished 4th in Lique One and has started impressively this term.
Tottenham were also been strongly linked to Sissoko’s Toulouse and French U21 midfield team-mate Etienne Capoue although were always unlikely to sign both. Sissoko may be just 20-years-old but stands at 6 ft 1 and is powerfully built. He has been likened to Real Madrid star Mahmadou Diarra and former Gunner Patrick Vieira for his box to box powerful displays.Sissoko recently extended his contract but it’s unlikely he’ll remain in France. The player spoke sensibly regarding the interest from the Premier League, “I have to learn my trade here.”
“I like the Premier League, but I am in no hurry to get there. There will be time for that in the future.
“At the moment I am trying to do my best in the French top-flight.”
The young star was born in Le Blanc-Mesnil but is of Malian descent. He played for local side US Aulnay and Red Star before moving to Toulouse to join their U14 side. His quality was there to see despite his young age and the club fought off interest from a number of clubs to sign the player on a professional contract in January 2007.
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Sissoko broke into the Toulouse first team in 2007/08 making his league debut as a substitute in a 3-1 loss to Valenciennes in August 2007. That same month, the combative midfielder made his European debut in a 1-0 home Champions League qualifying loss to Liverpool. He played just 7 minutes but was booked in that time. Despite his age, Sissoko made 30 league appearances that season (22 starts) as Toulouse escaped relegation by just one place.
Last season Sissoko continued his rapid rise with 35 league appearances (24 starts), scoring 4 times. He also became a regular in the French U21 side making 14 impressive performances. He scored his only goal at this level in France’s 2-0 friendly win in England back in March where he was heavily scouted. The teenager has won earned his first call-up to the senior side for France’s match against the Faroe Islands but did not feature.
This season Toulouse have struggled for results finding themselves 15th in the 20-team league after eight games. They’ve won just two of their 8 games but individually Sissoko has shone after scoring 3 goals those matches (7 starts). The midfielder also scored in the Europa League clash with Club Brugge so is certainly increasing his reputation.
Tottenham will be encouraged by comments from the payer earlier last season, “It is good to be watched by scouts,” Sissoko told skysports.com.
“I love the Premier League. It is the best league in the world. The stadiums are always full and I believe my game would be suited to the English style as I like the physical aspects of it.
“But, it is up to Toulouse. I am happy here and I am still learning. If they think it is time for me to move on then I will, but at the moment my desire is to play for Toulouse and keep on proving myself.”
As interest continues to grow in the impressive starlet, we’d like to know whether you’d prefer the Ghanaian Sulley Muntari or Moussa Sissoko at White Hart Lane to partner Wilson Palacios. Perhaps you’d prefer another target such as Patrick Vieira? Let’s hear your views.
Tags: Everton, France, Liverpool, Moussa Sissoko, Tottenham, Toulouse
October 6th, 2009 at 16:54
Sissoko. Muntari is pretty good, but he’s not amazing and Sissoko looks like he will be a world class footballer.
October 6th, 2009 at 20:08
Muntari. He’s the perfect ballwinner with a good foot and good on the ball. As Johnny said Sissoko looks like he could be world class, I agree, but Spurs need someone who’s already worldclass and Muntari is closer to worldclass than Sissoko AT THIS MOMENT.
Muntari and Palcios in Center of defence playing box to box and protecting our back 4… Lennon and Modric on each wing providing flair, pace and creativity in abundence and Defoe, Keane, Crouch and Roman on topp, could be the best Spurs team in a LONG time. COYS