In a performance that was atypical to their efforts in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur were superb defensively against Manchester United in the Europa League final.
Tottenham played with a maturity and structure that they’ve only really shown in European competition this season.
Ange Postecoglou’s side set themselves up brilliantly in Norway a couple of weeks ago against Bodo/Glimt, and they delivered something similar in Bilbao.
Spurs weren’t brilliant going forward by any means — neither side were.
However, Brennan Johnson was ultimately given the chance to win the game owing to a rare clean sheet from Postecoglou’s side.
Yves Bissouma proved everyone wrong in Bilbao
That being said, former Tottenham and Man United player Dimitar Berbatov was asked to pick his strongest combined XI before kick off for Mail Sport.
And when choosing between Spurs’ Yves Bissouma or United’s Casemiro, Berbatov actually opted for the experienced Brazilian, for that reason.
However, it was ultimately Bissouma who dominated the middle of the park in Spain, a superb performance from a player who hasn’t always been raved about this season.
Bissouma has had good moments for Spurs, particularly since he’s come in to replace the injured Lucas Bergvall.
But the £25m midfielder arguably saved his display of the season for Bilbao — a composed performance which really settled down those around him.
The Mali international was winning duels, making interceptions and also tackling United players with real success.
As mentioned, Bissouma hasn’t always delivered this season, but he certainly showed what he was capable of in Spain, a performance which was reminiscent of his Brighton & Hove Albion days.
What does the future hold for Yves Bissouma at Tottenham?
All that being said, it’s not entirely certain at this point that Bissouma will be a Tottenham player heading into next season.
Aston Villa are tempted by Bissouma according to reports, a player who Unai Emery is thought to like.
But Postecoglou has inspired a turnaround for Bissouma at Spurs and perhaps he could now finally show why Tottenham were so keen to recruit him from Brighton.
Not so long ago, Jermaine Jenas said Bissouma had lost his confidence, but that certainly wasn’t evident on Wednesday night.
An evening that will live long in the memory for Spurs fans, and one which might change Bissouma’s path in N17.
