If you want reasons as to why Sissoko plays I can give some . I'm not saying these justify his inclusion but since many seem utterly bewildered let's go.
- He is a unit. At the end of the day this is a contact sport. Sissoko whilst not being a destroyer type definitely uses his size and ability to move it (his size) to his advantage and dispossess or hold off players. He can't be swatted away.
- He can carry the ball whilst running close to top speed. This advances us up the pitch and alleviates pressure from our defence regardless of whether it leads to a penetrative attack or not.
- He has good pace and acceleration for his size and position. Combine this with very good fitness. Is he covering every blade of grass, tracking runners and making runs in the final third? No. But he moves more or less box to box and that in itself helps produce and prevent overloads, slows down opposition attacks (even when he doesn't win it), and adds another obstacle for opposition attackers to by pass. His physical attributes also mean opposition are less likely to even attempt to dribble past him.
- Height. Yes we know he's not a prolific header and often it's annoying when he doesn't challenge. But he does win some and it's also important to realise teams are less likely to play a long high ball to a defender marked by Sissoko than say Gio or Winks.
- Good professional. Clearly trains well and follows instructions to be picked by so many managers of top teams.
On form he's had some great moments and games for us. Basically got us past Inter.
Do I think he should play? No unless there's lots of creativity and technically able players surrounding him.
