Nabil Bentaleb (Exclusive): "Bissouma has yet to break his Spurs duck? It's not his job to score goals"

Photo by Alessandro Schiavone

Exclusive by Alessandro Schiavone

Nabil Bentaleb said it's "only a question of time" before goal-shy Tottenham maverick Yves Bissouma opens his goal account, adding however that it's not what he's getting paid for.

After a promising start to the season, Bissouma's form has dropped and he's yet to get off the mark since his summer 2022 arrival from Brighton, with his goalless run now stretching to a staggering 54 outings.

Algerian Bentaleb, now screening hometown club Lille's midfield in Ligue 1, failed to score himself in 46 Premier League appearances for the north Londoners between 2013 and 2016.

His solitary goal came a year after making his first-team debut  in a League Cup appearance against Newcastle United.

Asked what Bissouma should do to reverse the trend, Bentaleb told Capital Football: "Bissouma is a really good player.

"But he hasn't signed over there to score goals first of all.

"Yves is not focused on scoring goals, really.

"I think it will come when it comes.

"But his target is not to score goals but rather to make the team play.

"Why do you really want him to score?

"Tottenham are playing very attractive football and I think it's only a question of time for him to have an impact offensively.

"That said, I don't think that it's the fact that he's not scoring goals that affects him.

"He's there to impact the midfield and I think he's doing great.

"After a really good start now he has a tough period but it's normal for every player."