Sky’s the limit for exciting Bissouma says Seagulls boss
GRAHAM POTTER has told sought-after Yves Bissouma he has not even scratched the surface of his talents – which is ominous news for Brighton’s relegation rivals.
The 24-year-old Mali midfielder is being tracked by several top clubs, including Liverpool and Arsenal, and the Seagulls expect a summer bidding war.
Until then, Bissouma has a major role to play in Brighton’s survival battle, and he showed he is ready for the fight by scoring a screamer to help end Blackpool’s FA Cup run.
Manager Potter said: “He had a shoulder injury which meant he missed the first half of the season. He lost a
lot of pre-season prep time, so tactically he was not where we wanted him to be.
“He has improved in that area a lot. His game insight and understanding has developed and he has benefited from playing regularly.
“Consistency has improved but he still has a lot to do as well.
“That is exciting because you look at his best action and it is at a very high level.
“Our job is to try to get him to do that more often.
“He has made steps but there is still more to come.”
Bissouma’s 30-yard thunderbolt, coupled with Steven Alzate unwittingly scoring after being hit on the back by Alexis Mac Allister’s wayward effort, helped see Brighton through to a
BRIGHTON BLACKPOOL
fifth-round tie at Leicester.
Gary Madine gave Potter’s men a scare when he poked in from close range in the final seconds of the first half to cancel out the outstanding opener from Bissouma.
Brighton face a huge game at home to fellow strugglers Fulham on Wednesday, but Potter says they are going into it high on confidence.
He said: “It’s nice to win at home and have that winning feeling coming into the dressing room.
“We have started the year quite positively in terms of going through in the FA Cup and with some good
performances in the league.
“We need to carry that forward, keep improving, keep working and keep fighting.”
Madine’s goal was his fourth in as many FA Cup games this season and Blackpool boss Neil Critchley saluted his muchtravelled striker.
Critchley said: “I have nothing but praise for Gary.
“He has been outstanding for us this season.
“Because of the way he leads the line, he is the focal point of our attack and draws a lot of physical attention.
“It is extremely tough to do what he does. He is a big influence in our dressing room and has scored really good goals for us.”