Graham Potter has spoken about the maturity and development of two of his midfield players ahead of tonight’s game with Tottenham Hotspur.
Alexis Mac Allister and Yves Bissouma both found the net last month, the former for the first time in the Premier League, and the head coach is pleased with their performances in the early weeks of the season.
He said, “Alexis is a great character. He has worn the number ten jersey for Boca Juniors and there have been quite a few big players who have done that, so he’s felt that weight of responsibility. That shows a lot about him as a person and a character.
“Like any young player who is adapting to a new country, continent or team it won’t be a straight road. But as a person and how he works he’s fantastic.
“The lads really like and respect him, and we’re pleased he has been able to help the team.”
Potter also spoke Bissouma, who won the club’s Goal of the Month award for October for his stylish strike against Everton and continues to impress in the centre of the field.
"Yves had a tough start, because he had a shoulder problem when I came to the club and he also had surgery.
"He missed pretty much all of our first pre-season. His first game was Chelsea in September 2019 when we played him higher up and it didn't necessarily suit him.
“I think it's taken a bit of time for him to understand the requirements of the role he plays for us, but he is taking really good steps forward and I like him a lot.
“He's a great kid who can still improve which is really exciting for both him and ourselves."