The LOSC Lille view on Yves Bissouma
There has been quite a buzz around Brighton and Hove Albion’s latest summer signing after Yves Bissouma’s move from LOSC Lille.
The Mali international midfielder was also on the radar of European giants Porto and was the subject of serious interest from Monaco last summer when they were reigning Ligue 1 Champions.
Being only 21-years-old and with half his LOSC appearances coming the bench, it is difficult to gauge just how good Bissouma actually is. There are some admittedly highly impressive YouTube reels, but then again Augustin Battipiedi looked like the second coming of Johan Cruyff on the video sharing site.
For a more realistic view on the Albion’s new £15m capture, we spoke to Luc Watine from LOSC Fans Club for the Lille opinion on Bissouma.
What sort of player is Yves Bissouma?
Bissouma is technical, fast and very agile. He has one of the biggest shots you’ll see. We’ve seen him score from 30 metres in open play versus Angers SCO and from the same distance with a free kick versus Toulouse. The only negative is that his head isn’t always in the right place.
We’ve seen he has played right midfield, right back and even as a number 10 for LOSC. What is his best position and how do Brighton get the best from him?
Central midfield. To get the best from him, he needs to be in the middle of the action. He will cover so much ground and be everywhere, but if you give him lots of touches of the ball then he will always be a danger to the opposition and create something for your team.
How important was he to LOSC?
He was our probably our best player, but not our most important. That again is because of his attitude. He made some bad decisions and that meant that coaches didn’t feel they could completely trust him. He has the potential to be the best player in any team if he learns.
Was that lack of trust why over half his LOSC appearances came as a substitute?
Yes. He’s still very young and like young people do, he made mistakes with his behaviour and his conduct at times. For that reason, he deserved to be a substitute and would often be replaced during games as well.
Which famous French player is he similar to?
Paul Pogba. You may laugh at that, but he has the same characteristics as Pogba does. If he sorts out his behaviour, he could become a massive player.
Paul Pogba, sacre bleu! You believe Bissouma could be a Champions League, top European club player?
Easily – he could easily be your best player already. He’s monstrous and huge hitting and if he gets the chance will score magnificent goals. The sort of player who can win games on his own. He definitely has the potential to play in the Champions League and if he does well with you, don’t expect him to hang around – he will be wanted by a very big club and he will go there. A “nugget” (wonderful) as we say in France, if he overcomes the concerns about his behaviour and attitude.
Pogba hasn’t exactly set the Premier League alight. Do you think Bissouma will suit the Premier League?
It’s tough to know as it will all come down to his behaviour and attitude. I hope for both his and Brighton’s sake he is a success!
Is the reported €20m transfer fee fair?
Not for LOSC! Last year we refused €30m from Monaco for him. He is a player with enormous potential and €20m doesn’t seem enough given how good he could go onto be. Brighton have got themselves a great deal!
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