Tottenham's Moussa Sissoko insists he'll be a 'totally different' player this year after full pre-season

In control: Moussa Sissoko battles with Everton’s Idrissa Gueye in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Goodison Park
AFP/Getty Images
Marco Giacomelli11 September 2017

Moussa Sissoko has told Tottenham fans he will be a “totally different” player this season after reaping the benefits of a full pre-season.

Sissoko started just eight League games last term and failed to score following his £30million deadline-day move from Newcastle, and he held talks about leaving over the summer. A move did not materialise and Sissoko has featured in all four games this term, putting in an improved performance in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Everton.

“This season is totally different because I had the pre-season,” said Sissoko, who did not feature for Newcastle while he waited for a transfer after playing for France at Euro 2016.

“Last season, I signed at the last minute and didn’t have the pre-season so it was difficult. Now I feel good and ready to fight like everyone to give my best for the team.”

Pochettino was pleased with Sissoko’s performance in a more central attacking role and the 27-year-old was unlucky not to open his account after a goal-bound shot was blocked.

“I had some chances but I didn’t score. I hope next time it will be in, but the most important thing was to have a good game. I hope my goal will come soon,” he said.

“When you start you’re always happy. The manager gave me my chance and I tried to give my best and I think I did well, like all the team, so I’m happy.”

Sissoko spent a season playing with new Spurs signing Serge Aurier, an unused substitute at Everton, at Toulouse and he believes the Ivory Coast international will be a fine replacement for Kyle Walker.

In Pictures | Everton vs Tottenham | 09/09/2017

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“He is a similar player to Walker,” Sissoko said. “He will be good for us, he will help us to go as high as possible. We have a lot of ambition this season.

“I don’t have to talk a lot about him — everyone knows him because he played for Paris St Germain and he’s played some massive games in the Champions League. He’s strong defensively and he can attack as well. With the style we play, I think he will be comfortable in the team.”

Captain Hugo Lloris feels Saturday’s win, courtesy of Harry Kane’s double and a goal from Christian Eriksen, was essential after Spurs dropped five points at home last month.

“It was an important game, especially after August, which was not really brilliant from us,” the keeper said. “We had to get points away and Everton is not an easy place to deal with. But 2-0 up at half time was perfect for us, an then we controlled the game.

“We could have scored more but 3-0 is a fantastic result for us.”

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