Former Manchester United and France defender Patrice Evra believes Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko has proven himself as a key player within the team to head coach Jose Mourinho so far this season.
After securing a Europa League berth last season by the skin of their teeth, Spurs have set the benchmark in the Premier League so far this season, currently finding themselves at the top of the table.
While Son Heung-min and Harry Kane have been considered as the key men for making that possible, with their goals and link-up play striking terror into almost every side they have come up against so far this season, their midfield has been just as important.
Summer signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who made the switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium from Southampton, has been key in the defensive-midfield role, protecting the back-four and keeping things ticking over nicely.
Moussa Sissoko, though, has been just as important, racking up 16 appearances in all competitions.
Ahead of the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, Evra has lavished Sissoko with praise, insisting he has shown Mourinho why he must "start every game."
"I’ve talked to him personally and I think Mourinho dropped him a few times and he wasn’t happy and now he’s shown why he has to start every game for Tottenham," Evra told Sky Sports.
"We talk a lot about [Serge] Aurier not being a good defender, but I think he’s a great right-back. Sissoko is a really generous player.
"I think we talk a lot about [Tanguy] Ndombele, his relationship with Mourinho, we weren’t sure what was going on there.
"But now I feel that everything is settled, everyone knows their role. He’s the kind of midfielder you want on your team.”
While Evra was quick to heap praise on the shoulders of fellow countryman Sissoko, he also paid credit to the job Mourinho has done, particularly the connection he has built with his players, as well highlighting the midfield's continued importance.
“We have to give credit to Mourinho. I have the feeling that he’s really connected with his players," Evra added. "Mourinho’s teams are really difficult to beat, he has a strong midfield.
"I think that’s where they’re winning the games, in the midfield, they’re so compact. Eric Dier playing at centre-back, they have great options."
