The prolific duo may have won widespread praise for their goalscoring exploits, but Tottenham’s success lies in another star.
Patrice Evra has singled out Moussa Sissoko’s performances in midfield this season as a key factor behind Tottenham’s title challenge.
Despite dropping points in a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace on Sunday, Jose Mourinho’s side remain top of the Premier League standings on 25 points from 12 games.
A superior goal difference has given them the edge over second-placed Liverpool, who are also on 25 points, with Harry Kane and Son Heung-min’s goal tallies combined making up 79% of the club’s 24 league goals.
Shout out to Moussa Sissoko under incredible pressure after that yellow still had a great game:
93% pass accuracy
6 long balls 💯 accuracy
8 duels won
4 tackles
2 dribbles
👍 pic.twitter.com/6VcsiMs1ij— TAS⚽️ (@coys100) December 13, 2020
But, for Evra at least, Sissoko has been a vital part of Spurs’ early success.
“Mourinho teams are very difficult to beat and he has a strong midfield,” the ex-Manchester United defender said on Sky Sports as quoted by the Express.
“I would like to talk about Sissoko because we don’t give enough credit to a player like him.
“Such a generous player, he can cover Serge Aurier, really generous, strong, so I think that’s where they’re winning the games, in the midfield.
“They’re so compact and also they’re putting Eric Dier at center-back. So it’s a strong, strong contender for the title.”
The only time Spurs have lost a game in the Premier League, a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton in September, Sissoko was absent.