Moussa Sissoko gives reason for his Tottenham struggles as he eyes fresh start

Moussa Sissoko is treating this season as a fresh start at Tottenham and has stressed the difficulty of arriving so late in last year’s transfer window.

The France international was a deadline-day recruit in August 2016, with Spurs splashing out £30million and making the midfielder their joint record signing at the time.

However, Sissoko struggled to make the desired impact and the sum total of his contribution over the course of the campaign was three assists, with no goals.

It would hardly have been a surprise if the 28-year-old had left north London this summer, especially with a World Cup looming in nine months’ time.

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But he has remained at Tottenham and has started two of the first four league matches, including Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Everton.

While Sissoko frustrated Dele Alli by overhitting a through balls and halting a promising attack by being carelessly flagged offside, he twice went close to scoring his first goal for Spurs – and he is positive about the campaign ahead.

“This season is totally different because I had the pre-season with the team,” he said. “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, and to try to give my best for the team. I hope I will do well this season and we will all do well in the league, in the Champions League and in the cups.

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

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“I had some chances but 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.”

While Sissoko admits he was hamstrung by his late arrival in 2016, he has backed right-back Serge Aurier – who joined Tottenham on deadline day last month – to make an impression.

The pair played together at Toulouse in France from January 2012 to January 2013, when Sissoko left for Newcastle, and the midfielder said: “Everyone knows him because he played for Paris Saint-Germain and he’s played some massive games in the Champions League as well.

“He’s a very good player who’s strong defensively and can attack as well. With the style we play, I think he will be comfortable in the team.

“I can say he’s a similar player [to Kyle Walker]. He will be good for us, he will help us to go as high as possible. We have a lot of ambition this season and I hope we will do well all together.”

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