Moussa Sissoko: Tottenham Target on Fire for Toulouse & Perfect for January Move
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 heavily 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. Either would add strength to a somewhat frail looking Tottenham midfield in recent weeks.
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.
This season Toulouse started the season poorly but have climbed to 9th in the 20-team league after twelve games. Toulouse may have struggled at time but Sissoko has shone after scoring 6 goals those matches (11 starts). The midfielder also scored in the Europa League clash with Club Brugge so is certainly increasing his reputation. In fact, only one player has scored more league goals in France, Monaco’s Nene.
Sissoko’s form has led to him becoming a regular in the French international squad. He has played in the last two World Cup qualifiers. The midfielder started the last qualifier against Austria as the French won 3-1. He has also been chosen in Raymond Domenech’s squad for the World Cup play-offs with the Republic of Ireland.
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
November 9th, 2009 at 17:12
Pay extra for Sissoko, he is strong, quick and agressive with an eye for goal, the match with Arsenal proved Jenas and Huddlestone are not top 4 players. This lad is, if we don’t get him then one of our rivals will!
November 9th, 2009 at 17:13
He is far too good for Spurs, don’t be surprised if he joins us the future champions! 3-0 by the way!
November 9th, 2009 at 17:19
Would sell Jenas,huddlestone ,Bentley,Hutton,Dawson Pavachenko and O’Hara to get this guy he is the bizz a star of the future and we should buy him and loan him back for a couple of seasons and in the meantime get Sully from Jose to cover.
November 9th, 2009 at 17:31
dream on Gunnersaurus. He is FAR to good for Arsenal. I would love this lad to arrive at the Lane above almost any other world midfielder of his ilk but, sadly, it looks as if we might finally be landing Muntari instead. I will be disappointed tho if we go for Sandro over this kid. Sandro is good but Sissoko is much better & it is all about our ambition at the end of the day.
November 10th, 2009 at 00:16
Wonder why gooners are always scared of what Spurs are doing….This player is a perfect partner for Palacios and would terrify any midfield and allow our strike force to perform to their potential…Gunnersaurus…Spurs lost with best players missing (4 key players….Defoe, Lennon, Modric and Woodgate). Despite this, Spurs players gifted Ar5ena1 the game and not outplaying Spurs.