Under the tutelage of Chris Hughton, Brighton & Hove Albion managed to keep their status of being a Premier League side intact last season. However, they flirted with the relegation zone at times and having finished at the 15th spot in the English top flight, they must aim to better their credentials this time around.
Hughton has recently concluded the signing of Yves Bissouma from the ranks of Lille for an undisclosed fee. Bissouma has signed a five-year deal with the English outfit and his move to the Amex Stadium comes after the entry of some galvanizing players in Bernardo, Florin Andone and David Button to Hughton’s arsenal. In all fairness, Hughton has done a terrific job so far this summer and it will be interesting to see how Bissouma performs under him.
The Mali international has the calibre to emerge as a bonafide star in the English top flight. He is an attack-minded central midfielder who reads the game in an exceptional manner. Owing to the raw pace in his legs and the stamina he has on offer, he seamlessly shifts from defence to attack and vice versa without breaking much of a sweat.
Albion desperately needed an athletic player in the middle of the park who has the potential to drive the team forward and apparently, they have found the solution in Bissouma. He can wriggle out of tough situations in midfield and apart from his ability to hold-up the ball meticulously, he has shown time and again that he has the hunger to win the ball back whenever he loses possession.
Moreover, he is an astute passer of the ball and his versatility of operating as a central midfielder, central defensive midfielder, as well as a right-back, makes him a utility player. In 24 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille last season, the 21-year-old scored 2 goals and registered 1 assist. Besides, he made 2.8 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.1 clearances and 0.1 blocks per game on an average.
His pass completion rate of 85.2% in the French top division was also commendable. Bissouma boasts of a strong physique, is a tough tackler and is quite good in the air. He is not far from being a finished product but considering his age, he should become one very soon. However, he is unfamiliar with English football and it will be interesting to see how he copes with the pressure and scrutiny which comes with the territory.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored