They say that you don’t need to fix what isn’t broken, and if you look at Maccabi Tel Aviv’s link squad last season, you can easily understand this saying. Dor Peretz, Gabi Kanikovski and Joris van Overeem created a triangle of three midfielders who complement each other, while Ido Shahar, Aden Kartsev and Dan Beaton also contributed to a great championship for the Yellows under Robbie Keane.
Despite speculations and reports regarding possible departures, Peretz and Kanikovski are still here and lead Maccabi Tel Aviv to the Europa League, Van Overeem started the season exactly as he finished the previous one, but all this did not prevent the champion from announcing the addition of a player. An investment for the future, but we can already say that this is one of the outstanding players of the yellows so far.
Maccabi Tel Aviv pursued Sissoko for quite some time during the summer, while taking advantage of the bankruptcy in Bordeaux and watching his performance videos explained why. A very dynamic player, who covers areas and contributes equally to defense and attack. Meanwhile, according to the four games in which he participated, he translates His qualities and becomes a player that will be very difficult to give up.
So let’s start breaking down its qualities into factors. In every game he has been a part of so far, the impression is created that he is not there alone, but that there is another duplicate by his side. His ability to cover areas comes from his excellent physical fitness and orientation in space and Jarko Laztic uses it in a smart way to bring this to light. Against Maccabi Petah Tikva he delivered 60 accurate passes from 62 attempts, distributed two key passes and touched the ball 79 times, third only to the two stoppers (Teiris Asante and Raz Shlomo).
Sissoko is deployed in the attacks of Maccabi Tel Aviv in a variety of offensive ideas. Sometimes he goes down to receive the ball from the brakes in a low position to go out with a dribble that breaks defensive lines as can be seen for example in the game against Bnei Sakhnin in the semi-finals of the Toto Cup. During the movement of the ball, Sissoko burst all alone in the box, Which caught the attention of four players and left Eran Zahavi and Elad Madmon completely free to receive a pass.
One of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s game patterns under Laztic is loading one of the wings, which creates isolation for the players on the opposite wing and a quick transition with a diagonal pass to whoever is left free. In many attacks, Sissoko takes an integral part, when at one point he comes to load the right wing together with Shagiv Ezekiel and Usher David for that matter, and very quickly he is joined by the other wing players to do the same.
In addition, Sissoko usually positions himself behind the opponent’s link line while the brakes move the ball, when apart from being a good passing option, his role, among other things, is to engage the link to avoid pressure on the brakes. He often scans the area and his lightness of feet combined with quickness of thought help him react immediately in case of losing the ball.
In the game against Maccabi Petah Tikva, for example, such an example came. Number 28 in yellow was positioned in the center of the field while Raz Shlomo tried to send a deep pass, but it hit a blue player. Sissoko’s quick reaction led to the rescue of a ball in a dangerous area and the start of a passing attack that almost ended in a goal.
Maccabi Tel Aviv presses very high, and Sissoko plays a part in this as well, but thanks to his physical fitness and mobility he can press in one area and quickly return to the defense to cover the exits of the brakes to high positions on the field. Let’s go back to the game against Maccabi Pat, for example in which Sissoko recognizes a takeover Shlomo’s bad luck on the ball and assists him in chasing his player. As soon as the brakeman is pulled towards the wing, he takes his place in the defensive line. So according to Sissoko’s ability, one can understand Laztic’s preference to insert him in the last few games and the one who gets fewer minutes is of course Van Overeem, who got used to playing game after game in a tough sequence in the middle of last season. The midfielder provided an outstanding game in the 1:5 against Bachka Topola that sent Maccabi Tel Aviv to the European League, but he did not play at all in the first game against Mola nor in the first game of the Yellows in the league.
This can be explained by the fact that Laztic preferred to get Sissoko involved with a series of games in which he gets minutes, but the bottom line is that he does not always have to come at Van Overeem’s expense. Using both in games against dominant opponents can free up the third midfielder who will join them – Kanikovski or Peretz – to concentrate on more offensive tasks. Another option is to play with both of them together when Elad Madmon plays under one of Dor Turgeman or Eran Zahavi and create an even more dangerous front.
Either way, with the load of games now awaiting Maccabi Tel Aviv, Aztic will have to make changes from game to game and Sissoko could be the one to give him a lot of air in the coming streak. Against Hapoel Beer Sheva, he may get another chance to show that he can be dominant even against higher obstacles One of the few he has experienced so far in Israel.
How has Sissoko impacted Maccabi Tel Aviv’s midfield dynamics since his arrival?
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Midfield Maestro: How Sissoko’s Arrival is Elevating the Champions’ Performance
When it comes to team dynamics, the saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” often rings true. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s midfield trio of Dor Peretz, Gabi Kanikovski, and Joris van Overeem was a well-oiled machine last season, leading the Yellows to a thrilling championship under Robbie Keane. Despite rumors of departures, Peretz and Kanikovski remain core players, while Van Overeem continues to impress. However, the champions’ decision to invest in the future has brought about a game-changing addition to the squad – midfielder Sissoko.
The Pursuit of Sissoko
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s interest in Sissoko dates back to the summer, when the club took advantage of Bordeaux’s financial struggles to secure the talented midfielder. A review of his performance videos made it clear why the Yellows were so keen to bring him on board. Sissoko’s dynamic playing style, which combines defensive solidity with attacking flair, was an attractive proposition.
A Standout Performer
Since joining the team, Sissoko has lived up to expectations, becoming an integral part of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s midfield. In just four games, he has demonstrated his exceptional qualities, making it difficult for coach Jarko Laztic to leave him out of the starting lineup. Sissoko’s impressive physical fitness and spatial awareness enable him to cover vast areas of the pitch, making him a nightmare for opposing teams.
Statistical Breakdown
Against Maccabi Petah Tikva, Sissoko delivered an astonishing 60 accurate passes from 62 attempts, distributed two key passes, and touched the ball 79 times – a testament to his exceptional work rate. His ability to control the tempo of the game and dictate the flow of play is reminiscent of a seasoned veteran.
Offensive Prowess
Sissoko’s attacking prowess is equally impressive. He has been deployed in various offensive formations, often dropping deep to receive the ball and launch counter-attacks with his quick feet and agility. In the Toto Cup semi-final against Bnei Sakhnin, Sissoko burst into the box, drawing the attention of four defenders, and leaving Eran Zahavi and Elad Madmon with ample space to receive a pass.
The Future Looks Bright
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s investment in Sissoko is already paying dividends, with the midfielder quickly becoming a fan favorite. His dynamic playing style has injected new life into the team, and his performances have been instrumental in the Yellows’ strong start to the season. As the Europa League campaign unfolds, Sissoko’s presence is likely to be a crucial factor in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s pursuit of success.
Conclusion
In a league where midfielders are often underrated, Sissoko’s arrival has brought a new level of excitement and unpredictability to Maccabi Tel Aviv’s play. His ability to control the tempo, create scoring opportunities, and contribute defensively has made him an indispensable asset to the team. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to watch how Sissoko continues to evolve and grow, cementing his status as one of the standout players in the Israeli league.
Meta Description: Maccabi Tel Aviv’s midfield maestro Sissoko has been instrumental in the team’s strong start to the season. Learn more about his impressive qualities and how he’s elevating the champions’ performance.
Keywords: Maccabi Tel Aviv, Sissoko, midfield, Israeli league, Europa League, Jarko Laztic, Robbie Keane, Dor Peretz, Gabi Kanikovski, Joris van Overeem.
