The international break has arrived, and Premier League fans are eagerly hoping for their players to return safely and in good form for their respective clubs.
Teams near the top of the league tend to have more players representing their nations, and Tottenham Hotspur falls into this category.
Ange Postecoglou’s team has a significant contingent, with as many as 16 players called up for international duty during the current fortnight before the Premier League resumes next weekend.
Among them is Spurs midfielder Yves Bissouma, who is currently away with Mali as they continue their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
Mali has already secured their place in next year’s competition as the winners of Group G.
Mali played their final group game against South Sudan yesterday and concluded their qualifying campaign with an impressive 4-0 victory.
Ibrahima Kone opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the game, and the hosts extended their lead just before the half-hour mark through Kamory Doumbia.
In the second half, Doumbia notched his second goal, marking Mali’s third, and Nene Dorgeles added the fourth and final goal to seal the victory.
However, what made Dorgeles’s goal particularly special was not just the finish itself, but also the unique assist provided by Bissouma, who played a pivotal role in the goal’s creation.
Bissouma made a dazzling run into the box, skillfully evading his marker and leaving a South Sudan defender sprawled on the ground at the by-line. With swift footwork, the Spurs midfielder deftly eluded the onrushing goalkeeper, maintaining composure to keep the ball in play. He then made a precise cutback into the six-yard box, allowing Dorgeles to calmly slot home Mali’s fourth goal.
Despite his primary role as a holding midfielder focused on defensive duties, Bissouma’s impressive international performance likely brought a smile to the face of Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. Bissouma has been a constant presence, starting in all four of Tottenham’s Premier League games under Postecoglou’s early tenure in North London.