Though some might have expected Bissouma to be exhausted following his time in the Ivory Coast, he didn’t appear exhausted as Maddison captured him bouncing around and dancing to music inside Hotspur Way.
It is excellent to see Bissouma in high spirits because AFCON must have taken a toll on him, both psychologically and physically.
We think that with Bissouma’s return, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s playing time is going to drop considerably.
While Pape Matar Sarr and Bissouma were abroad in the Ivory Coast, the Denmark international was frequently named in the starting lineup. Now that the African pair is back in the N17, Hojbjerg—who started the majority of the games prior to the AFCON—will undoubtedly return to the bench.
Hojbjerg is a model professional, but when it comes to dribbling past opponents and sprinting into space—a crucial skill for any Ange Postecoglou midfielder—he lacks the same level of skill as Bissouma and Sarr.
As Aston Villa defeated Sheffield United 5-0 at Bramall Lane later that afternoon, the North London team was knocked out of the Premier League’s top four.
Now, against Brighton, Ange Postecoglou’s team will aim to get back on track and get revenge on the Seagulls.
Guglielmo Vicario has made a few high-profile errors lately, but he is not expected to be benched. The Italian goalkeeper will look to demonstrate greater conviction at set pieces against Brighton after Spurs conceded from corners in both games against Manchester City and Everton as a result of his inability to handle crosses into the area.