Who will replace suspended Yves Bissouma in Tottenham midfield? – opinion

Amidst an availability crisis in defence and attack, Tottenham must now decide who will play in defensive midfield against Southampton. Both Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur are suspended for the game.

No Yves Bissouma. No Rodrigo Bentancur

While none would have been wanting a penalty to be given away in a London derby, it was in some ways, fortuitous that Yves Bissouma picked up a yellow card against Chelsea.

Having now accumulated 5 yellow cards, Bissouma is required to serve a one-match ban in Spurs’ next Premier League match.

This means that Bissouma will not be available to face Southampton (A). However, this can be viewed as a more favourable option in comparison to missing Liverpool (H) or Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

That being said, with Rodrigo Bentancur still having 3 matches remaining in his domestic ban, Tottenham are now faced with a complicated decision of who to pick in defensive midfield for their game against Southampton next weekend.

Three candidates to replace Bissouma in Tottenham XI

Assuming there are no more injuries in training or Spurs’ Europa League game against Rangers, it is likely that Ange Postecoglou will pick Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison in midfield against Southampton.

Southampton prioritise playing out from the back but have frequently been caught out doing so this season. Kulusevski and Maddison are both smart pressers who can help with ball retention and winning the ball back high up the pitch.

Pape Matar Sarr

The most likely option to play as the deepest-lying midfielder is Pape Matar Sarr. He is not naturally suited to the role, being far better at covering the pitch during transitional moments and front-footed pressing. However, although he is only 22, he is the most senior player of the available options with match experience on which he can draw while playing in a slightly unfamiliar role.

James Maddison

The second most likely candidate would have been Archie Gray. There is a suggestion that Tottenham’s long-term plan is for him to inherit the defensive-midfielder role in Spurs’ side. Nevertheless, he is yet to start a senior match in midfield and additionally is naturally more suited to box-to-box duties, rather than playing as a single pivot player.

Furthermore, with Ben Davies and Cristian Romero potentially unavailable, Archie Gray is now the 1st choice replacement for every position in the back four. While it may have been an opportunity to test Gray in his future position, it may be too risky to start him in midfield when he is maybe the most important player on Tottenham’s bench right now.

As such, James Maddison could emerge as an option for the pivot role for one match and one match only. The England international likes to drop deep and collect the ball in his own half anyway. The question is, would he be disciplined and defensive enough to hold that position when Spurs are on the attack?

Lucas Bergvall

Lastly, there is Lucas Bergvall. He has struggled for consistent minutes in the side, but despite Tottenham’s languishing form, Bergvall has been making improved substitute appearances. To his credit, Bergvall always plays bravely and would take on responsibility in midfield if given the opportunity.

However, he tends to play further up the pitch and with so few options on the bench, it may make more sense to give him a chance to come on later in the game and play in a more natural role. That being said, perhaps Postecoglou gave him a cameo in the pivot against Rangers for a reason.

Whichever combination Ange Postecoglou decides to pick, it will require some adjustment and thoughtful rotation to keep the Spurs team going over the next two weeks until both of his senior midfielders return.

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