Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has been warned about a Spurs star who could cost his side points this season, with the Dane looking to continue building after his solid start to life at N17.
Thomas Frank earns Tottenham praise after good start to season
Barring fairly lucky draws against the likes of Wolves and Bodo/Glimt recently, with Frank's side snatching those results from the jaws of defeat, Spurs' new boss is beginning to win admirers.
Over his first 11 games at the helm, the 52-year-old has averaged close to 2 points per match, having suffered just one normal time loss since taking over from Ange Postecoglou in the summer.
From the offset, Frank prioritized building a strong defensive foundation, addressing one of Tottenham’s key weaknesses last term.
His teams are disciplined and organized, with Frank's arrival seriously reducing the defensive errors that previously plagued Spurs.
Centre-back duo Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero have thrived in the tactician's structure, with pundit Jamie O'Hara even boldly claiming they are the best defensive partnership in Europe right now and "walk" into Real Madrid's team.
After their gritty 2-1 win away to Leeds United, Spurs sit third in the Premier League table after both breaking their pre-international break curse and ending Leeds' year-long unbeaten run in the league at Elland Road.
There is an air of positivity around North London right now, especially after the Lewis family just pumped £100 million into Tottenham via ENIC, which suggests the post-Daniel Levy era could be an exciting one.
However, one puzzle that Frank needs to solve is what to do with midfielder Yves Bissouma.
The Mali international was omitted from Frank's UEFA Super Cup squad for disciplinary issues, specifically turning up late to training on more than one occasion, and is yet to play a single competitive minute for Tottenham so far this season.
This is partly down to injury, but reliable reports suggested that Spurs were open to offers for Bissouma when the Saudi, Turkish and Greek transfer windows were open past September 1 — indicating he may not have a long-term future.
The 29-year-old's contract expires in 2026, and he was also notably left out of Tottenham's 22-man Champions League squad.
Thomas Frank warned about Tottenham star Yves Bissouma
Speaking to Tottenham News, former Brentford boss Martin Allen has warned Frank that Bissouma could cost Tottenham points if they choose to reintegrate him into the fold, saying that the midfielder has got a lot of work to do.
Allen also suggested that Bissouma "can't be bothered" to make meetings or get in on time, which may be a real issue.
“He’s got a lot to prove,” Allen said.
“He is a good player, so we will see. Let’s hope his discipline can improve and his timekeeping for sure.
“I always felt that if you’re late off the pitch, and you can’t be bothered to make meetings and get in on time for training, then you’re going to be late on the pitch.
“And if you’re late on the pitch, it’s going to cost your team, it’s going to cost you goals, cost you points, and nobody wants that in their football club. So, he’s got a lot to do.”
The ex-Brighton star played a key role in Tottenham's journey to the Europa League final, starting both semi-final legs against Bodo/Glimt and the final against Man United.
Bissouma was a regular under Postecoglou overall, playing 44 times in all competitions last term, and if he can address his disciplinary issues, Frank could really use a player of his quality.