Prior to Euro 2016 Newcastle were reported to be asking for somewhere in the region of £20m – £25m for Moussa Sissoko. The player appeared to put in a series of good performances on the European stage, resulting in the new quoted asking price being in the region of £35m. This has only served to inflate an already massive ego and the Frenchman has taken every opportunity he can to declare his love and desire to play for a more ‘exclusive’ club. So far he has linked himself to Manchester United, Paris St.Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal and one or two other clubs – without a hint of a bid having been made. The question is, is he really as good as he likes to believe – and is his price tag realistic?
The talent of the likes David Silva, Eden Hazard, Mezut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey is not in question – that’s why they ply their trade amongst the ‘established’ top 4. For that reason, with the talent that surrounds those players, it is unfair at this time to directly compare Sissoko to those players. However, there are several attacking midfielders of note currently with sides outside the established Top 4 that appear ready to make the step up to the ‘Big Time’. Players like Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur, Phillipe Coutinho of Liverpool, Gini Wijnaldum and Gylfi Sigurdsson of Swansea. Wijanaldum has recently been snapped up by Liverpool for £25m, but all of these players have failed to attract the interest of the world’s elite sides. If Sissoko can out-point these players in a direct comparison, then it’s fair to say he is the legitimate ‘next in line’ to make the step up to a truly ‘exclusive’ side – earning Newcastle the exclusive fee that goes with that type of signing.
As usual the players will be directly compared against each other in a number of fields. 10 points for 1st place, 7 points for 2nd, 5 points for 3rd, 3 points for 4th and zero points for 5th. The totls then get added up and we see who contributes more throughout the season, All of these players ply their trade from a similar position and all played approximately 3,000 minutes in the EPL last season, with the exception of Coutinho, who carried a couple of injuries and played only 2,000 minutes. He will lose a few points because of that. I considered bringing his averages up, but decided not to because part of a player’s value surely has to be actually being available throughout the season.
Fouls Committed:
How many times did these players gift the opposition possession? Coutinho only committed 9 fouls, Eriksen was 2nd with 13, 3rd goes to Wijnadulm with 16, Sigurdsson claims 4th with 25 and bringing up the rear is Sissoko with a staggering 50 fouls committed.
Fouls suffered:
Who won the most free kicks for their side? Gini Wijnaldum takes 10 points with 51, 7 points for Sissoko with 30, 5 points for Coutinho with 29, 3 points for Sigurdsson with 23 and zero points for Eriksen with 17.
% won – Aerial Duels:
Who gives extra influence in the air? Surprisingly Sissoko tops the charts with 48.15%. Next up is Wijnaldum with 36.76%, in third place is Eriksen with 35.42%, in 4th place is Sigurdsson with 13.33% and in last is Coutinho with 11.54%.
Successful Take-On’s – percentages:
Zero points for Sissoko this time with only 46.67%. In 4th place is Eriksen with 53.03%, in third is Sigurdsson with 54.55%, 2nd for Coutinho with 59.76% and top spot for Wijnaldum on 60.24%.
Pass Completion:
Bottom of the pile for Sissoko with 76%. First place for Wijnadlum on 85%, joint 3rd for Sigurdsson and Coutinho on 79% and 2nd place for Eriksen with 82%.
Key Passes:
This means goal scoring chances created for teammates. Wijnaldum only managed 43. Coutinho came in with 44, Sissoko chipped in with 49, Sigurdsson lined up 54 but Eriksen blew everybody out of the water with a mighty 101!
Assists:
As you might expect, Eriksen tops the chart again with 13. Sissoko claims 2nd spot with 7, joint 3rd place goes to Wijnaldum and Coutinho with 5 and last place falls to Sigurssdon with only 2.
Total Shots on target:
Who is getting into the right positions and testing the goalkeeper? Bottom for this one is Sissoko with only 17 for the season. He is way, way below everybody else on this vital stat. Wijnaldum managed 38 to earn himself 3 points. 5 points for Coutinho with 49 shots on target. 2nd spot for Sigurdsson with 50 and first place for Eriksen, who tested the goalkeeper 55 times.
Goals:
If you want to be considered a world class attacking midfielder, worthy of an exclusive club, then you need to show you can score a goal. Sissoko did just that last season. Literally. 1 goal. Eriksen takes 4th spot with 6. In third place is Coutinho with 8 goals, whilst Wijnaldum and Sigurdsson share the crown in this field with 11 goals each.
Total Points:
1st Place on 60 points: Gini Wijnaldum.
2nd Place on 55 points: Christian Eriksen.
3rd Place on 45 points: Phillipe Coutinho.
4th Place on 43 points: Gylfi Sigurdsson.
5th Place on 29 points: Moussa Sissoko.
I must admit, I’m shocked here. I knew Sissoko was not as good as he likes to think he is, but this is ridiculous! Sissoko is well adrift of the pack. On top of that, Wijnaldum absolutely battered him – and last season was Gini’s first in the Premier League. Sissoko does not score enough, is rubbish at taking players on (and having a positive outcome) and gives away way too many fouls. On the bright side, he can win a header and his assists record is not too bad. Is he an ‘exclusive’ player that deserves an ‘exclusive’ club? Is he heck.
Interestingly, trasnsfrmrkt.com valued Sissoko at a maximum of £12.75m when he was a Premier League player. Coutinho is valued at £29.75, Sigurdsson at £14.45m, Eriksen at £26.35and obviously Wijnaldum has just gone for £25m. I’d say that evaluation is about right for Sissoko, but if he’s in demand, then Newcastle are within their rights to demand a premium for his services. But 3 times his actual value? I don’t think so. If I were Real Madrid, PSG or Arsenal – I’d be looking to invest my 30 odd million pounds on a more capable player. More fool them if they let his big talk convince them he is some kind of special player – because the stats say otherwise.
What about using Sissoko as bait to get Matej Vydra.?Only 24 but has experience in the Championship.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2, aye mate, it’s a tricky one. If he is sitting on the bench somewhere then is he going to do a job for us ?
I was ower the moon when we signed Mitro, and I think the lad will still come good. He needs support around him though, and the toon need to be more active in and around the box. Unfortunately losing Townsend will not do him any good…we need to improve as a unit going forward, from midfield too, before we start reaping the rewards of Mitro..
Munich Mag(Quote)
I just worry about Mitro’s temperament Munich mate. He looks to be just this side of berserk some of the time. If the Championship defenses give him a good going over he may lose it quite often.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
You’re the only one that really challenges the line of twaddle I peddle most of the time Munich mate. Well done! 😀
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2, I always read your posts mate 🙂
Munich Mag(Quote)
Would like to see the Siem de Jong situation finally settled as well. Now he’s injured yet again I hear. Should go back to the Netherlands and get himself sorted out. And Tiote. Is he staying or going? We’re not going to get that much for either of them but it would free up squad space. The same goes for Rivi.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Villa now 2-1 down at Luton. I’m not sure why they’re in this round of the EFL cup and we’re not, it must be some sort of ranking system, but I’m pleased we didn’t have to play midweek in this round. That’s a banana skin we didn’t need and neither do Villa at this moment in time. 🙂
DJG(Quote)
DJG – Leeds getting beat off Luton as well mate ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
I meant Fleetwood 🙄 what a tool ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
3-1 Villa own goal. They’ve got even bigger problems than us. 😉
DJG(Quote)
Now some paper talk we’re after Insigne. Would love to see it but would he come to a Championship club, even managed by Rafa? Sounds highly unlikely.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Aarons signed 5 year deal – confirmed.
Hope he gets a good chance as I think he has potential to be an England International.
Stuart79(Quote)
Lads we aren’t in this round cause it’s seeded I think
Kimtoon(Quote)
Stu, If you watch him he plays without fear and isn’t afraid to take the shot. Has great self belief, even a tad selfish but you need to be at times. Really rate the lad and has a good reputation here in Bristol as being very down to earth . Really hope he stays fit this season.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Spot on Kimtoon lass.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I thought we rejected the chance to be in the Cup? I can’t keep up with all the name changes… Is this the Coca Cola Cup?
Shamrock(Quote)
Aye mate talk is we have bid 20 mil,but is it paper talk???
Icedog(Quote)
The big wage (4.3M pounds a year) is apparently the big temptation for him ice mate. That and working with Rafa. But what kind of fee?
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I just don’t recognise this football club anymore…! Well apart from the results… ?
Stuart79(Quote)
I’m guessing this is what used to be the Carling Cup. I.e the League cup. That’s why no National League teams or below. The ‘old second division’, third and fourth seems to have been rebounded the ‘EFL’. Even though Cardiff are a Welsh team. The 72 also, because I’m guessing there are 24 teams in the three leagues? In another few years it will be called something else. 😉
DJG(Quote)
It’s now called the Johnstones’s English League Paint and Milk Cup Shamrock mate. I like it!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Fairly bad result for Villa then.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Hee hee!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
It’s the Football League cup
Kimtoon(Quote)
What was the capital one cup
Kimtoon(Quote)
Right from what I have read , we got a bye to the second round because we were the highest placed relegated club.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Whatever it’s called I would love us to win it. The silverware cabinet is looking a bit sad and outdated. We do have the Championship title cup from 2009-2010. And there was that other trophy, the Texaco cup? When was it we won that again? I think we actually won it twice. Good for Trivial Pursuit.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
That’s a pisser for Villa they have a good history in this cup winning it 5 times and runners up 3 times, only Chelsea and Liverpool bettering them.
Kimtoon(Quote)
G2, We have never won it
Kimtoon(Quote)
G2 What was that French mini tournament thing we won where the cup looked like a boat?
Kimtoon(Quote)
Read Aston Villa
@ReadAstonVilla
Aston Villa fans now chanting ‘we’re fu*king sh*t, we’re fu*king sh*t’
yes you really are 😆
Kimtoon(Quote)
Matt Lynch @mattlyynch · 1h1 hour ago
What even is this?! #avfc
Meltdown mate, that’s what it is
Kimtoon(Quote)
Matt Lynch Retweeted
Nathan Hirst @nath_hirst · 2h2 hours ago
‘Done a Villa’- poor/weak defending that’s allows the opposition a chance to create a goal. Usually ends in a goal #AVFC
Enjoy it lads, got to get the laughs in while we can 😆
Kimtoon(Quote)
Andy Turnstile @AndrewUllah · 3h
@AVFCOfficial @TomholmesThomas @Richothevillan Brilliant!!! Should have started with that team on Sunday. Easy win tonight now UTV #avfc
😆 😆 😆 😆 Don’t give up your day job mate will you.
Kimtoon(Quote)
I’ll stop now, it’s not fair to mock the afflicted . 😉
Kimtoon(Quote)
Matt Lynch @mattlyynch · 58m58 minutes ago
Oh Tony ? #avfc
ok I’ll stop now
Kimtoon(Quote)
G2/Ice – I don’t see us getting Insigne at all like. Inter & Arsenal supposedly after him – I’m not sure Napoli will want to sell to Inter mind. But nevertheless, I don’t see Insigne wanting to play Championship footy – if we were PL, then he’d be there in a heartbeat with Rafa I reckon, but just don’t see him playing EFL.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Spuds bid £18m for him last summer apperently
Kimtoon(Quote)
There was a club statement a few weeks ago, that we have chosen not to participate in this tournament. Something about choosing to send our under 21s out on loan where possible rather then use them in this cup. It was the old Johnston paints tournament I think. So as far as I know, we are not in it. I don’t think this in the capital one cup … But could be wrong…
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Kim – we’ve avoided the mighty Luton & got Cheltenham at home in the next round ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
No mate it’s the lge cup we enter 2nd round (seeded) the paint trophy is for all non premier lge clubs only and it’s that one we have said no to.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Hang on you could be right Dubai???? I’m confused now
Kimtoon(Quote)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016%E2%80%9317_EFL_Cup
Kimtoon(Quote)
http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/efl-trophy-middlesbrough-fc-formally-11576832
Kimtoon(Quote)
I think you are right Kim… But it is confusing as I was sure it was the EFL cup we opted out of, oh well…. Senility must be kicking in I guess… Lol
Dubai Toon(Quote)
http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/football-league-2016-17-key-dates/story-29307301-detail/story.html
Kimtoon(Quote)
So there is an EFL trophy, which we opted out of, and an EFL cup which was the old Capital One cup… And which we are going to be in vs Cheltenham. Well that clears everything up… Cheers Kim!
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Dubai, I know it’s what used to be the Paint Trophy that we opted out of because they invited premier lge teams to enter for the first time this season . But these games this week are Lge cup games if you look at my last post , it shows the start dates for each round. We are in the second round.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Right, I have it now
The EFL Trophy is the old Johnstones paint Trophy
The EFL Cup is what was the capital cup
We did not enter the EFL Trophy.
How daft to have the only difference be trophy or cup, makes it very confusing especially now they have PL teams in the EFL trophy .
Kimtoon(Quote)
Got a headache off to bed 😀
Kimtoon(Quote)
Clear as mud all this. Can’t we go back to FA Cup, Coca Cola Cup and who gives a sh#t Cup?
Shamrock(Quote)
I’ll believe the Insighi thing when it happens. Our signings so far have been Clarke, Hanley, Ritchie etc. Which is what you would expect. So that’s what I’ll continue to expect.
Shamrock(Quote)
Villa owner is a right odd ball. He’s always on Twitter and last night he was slagging the players off.
Stuart79(Quote)
so Rafa turned up to the fans forum and spoke with fans for over a hour,they didnt know he was coming,fans say he was great and were chuffed to bits,the guy has the club and fans at heart
icedog(Quote)
Not putting a foot wrong is he Ice, so nice to have a decent coach, not been this happy for a long time. The Media just don’t get it or the opo fans either. They mock us for the Rafalution thing and say we came down to earth when we lost to Fulham, but it’s not about that. What they do not understand is the Rafalution is about the club being seen as respectable and getting some credibility back. Soon Wonga will be gone and hopefully Rafa sees a better sponser in next season and we start producing some local and young talent. I still think we’ll do well under him even without the best players, we do need a potent forward in though and a better supply line to him. The press and opo fans seem to sit and wait for the slightest opportunity to jump on us all which is odd given that our very presence in the championship is bumping up the gates for many smaller clubs who frankly need the cash injection.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Stu, he is a fruitcake, who looks very silly mocking us given his clubs last two results.
Kimtoon(Quote)
so true mate hes bringing football back to the fans where it should be,as to our best players going i dont worry one bit our best/top players they were never best players for us,when things didnt go their way they bolted Rafa is making a club that players want to play for
icedog(Quote)
spot on ice
Kimtoon(Quote)
Rafa’s proving to be some character isn’t he. New deal for Aarons means Rafa rates him. Woopee!
Georgio(Quote)
Sunderland fans reaction to signings Live and McNair for £8m;
”Smashing eh, a double signing. I’m very much more one of the positive posters on here a reckon and defend the club, but this has left me flat as ****. This and the mvila *****, just shows why we’ll never be more than just makiing up the numbers. Boring same old ***** Sunderland. Kicked my tits right in this”
”Will give them a chance as always but im completely underwhelmed by these two. End of last season we were being told no more relegation battle and we will only sign players who improve the first team. Now it looks like we are signing players of this ilk and I can only see another depressing season of struggle.”
”Its like buying an old punto to run around in”
”If the mags signed Donald Love we would be pissing ourselves”
”The signing of Love is absolutely embarrassing”
Moyes; “I want to bring in players who are here for the long-term as well as the short and hopefully these two are here for the long-term.”
”He is over complicating it. get a
bloody side out that won’t be in a relegation battle man.”
Lol. There are actually stories in newsnow claiming Newcastle were in a 4 way battle for McNair but got ‘beaten’ by Sunderland. They say we have signed 8 players, but only 1 was a defender (Gamez). Clueless or what.
Shamrock(Quote)
almost feel sorry for them sham….almost 😀
Kimtoon(Quote)
Sissoko;
“I spent three and a half years here. I gave everything for this club and I want to play some big games. For that I need to go somewhere else,” he added.
“I want to play in the Premier League, I want to play for a big club who can get into the Champions League. That’s why I said I want to leave this year.
“I’ve spent a lot of time here and now it’s time to look forward. The fans need to understand my situation, I hope they will and that everything will be OK.”
Don’t worry lad, you just think about yourself. Forget the contract you signed and the mess you contributed towards.
Shamrock(Quote)
“I hope Real will come for me, I’m still waiting,” Sissoko is quoted by the BBC.
“If Real Madrid are interested in you then of course you will be happy, but right now I am still a Newcastle player.”
Shamrock(Quote)
God the bloke is seriously pissing me off now. Just F off will you, sick of reading his non stop piffle .
Kimtoon(Quote)
‘Fans Forum minutes will be published at http://www.nufc.co.uk in coming days, the club confirmed during the meeting that it will be making away tickets available on general sale for selected fixtures during this season following supporter requests.
Season ticket holders and members will continue to enjoy priority access to all away match tickets as normal throughout the 2016/17 campaign, with demand expected to be extremely high for most fixtures.
However, should away tickets not completely sell out during designated priority sale periods, the club will make them available to all fans where possible.’
Shamrock(Quote)
Kim has he not got an agent to do his begging g for him behind the scenes? What’s he trying to achieve, except making himself look desparate to suitors whilst alienating his current ‘fanbase’. He is being badly advised.
Shamrock(Quote)
I don’t even know who Donald Love is or what position he plays?!
I saw McNair a couple of times last season and he looked OK – but £8m for the pair, it’s no wonder the scum aren’t dancing in the streets like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Lerin Duarte has had his contract terminated at Ajax – no reason given as yet, but he’s a talented ACM.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sham, Agree, but I think the guy is a bellyacher too mate, he needs to stop with the woe is me I’m trapped at a non ‘ exclusive ‘ club ****. I swear if he plays and scores for us I won’t be able to celebrate . 🙁
Kimtoon(Quote)
I am still waiting for Real Madrid to call as well. I expect to hear from them at about the same time Moussa does.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well Sissoko has said he wants to leave coz he’s been here 3.5yrs and it’s time for him to leave and play in the big games. He wants to play in the PL and in Champions League.
Now Real Madrid may be conducting their busy very quietly – but that isn’t usually the RM way, so I’m going out on a limb and saying he isn’t going there.
So who in the PL will want him?. Well there has been mention of Arsenal – I don’t see that. There has been mention of Palace, but if they are shelling £30m out for Benteke, will they have a further £20-30m for Sissoko?.
It could be that there are clubs interested, but the £30m tag puts them off & they may think that will come down nearer the end of the window.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So long as he’s still with us we are short of funds for a quality forward and others required, and his presence will become totally toxic to team moral. He wants away so how can we expect him to perform for us any better than he did last season? He will likely be worse as he’ll want to avoid injury and scupper a last minute move. He wouldn’t have him anywhere near the first 11 no matter how popular he may be, it’s not worth it.
£10m and a packet of Bovril crisp and we should snatch off anyone’s hands. It’s obvious no ones that fussed about taking him or there would of been a bid by now.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy, who could blame them mate, he is never worth that much
Kimtoon(Quote)
I hate all the interview bollocks too but he played really well in those last 6 games. Rafa really got him at it. I think Rafa wants to keep him and very very few are interested anyway.
georgio(Quote)
Kim – the niggle I have with him is that I don’t like him. His stats above confirms that he had a poor season last season – yet when Rafa came in he made him his captain & played him every game (dropping Gini at the same time). Rafa wants to keep him, and values him as much as £35m (whilst happy to take £25m for Gini).
I’m big enough to admit that Rafa knows more about footy than I & the bloke has managed some of the best players in the world.
Sharpy17(Quote)