Why keeping Yves Bissouma and Ben White is a vital part of Brighton's potential success

Keeping Yves Bissouma and Ben White is a vital part of Brighton's potential success under Graham Potter.
Yves Bissouma in action in the 1-0 win against TottenhamYves Bissouma in action in the 1-0 win against Tottenham
Yves Bissouma in action in the 1-0 win against Tottenham

Clearly, a 1-0 score line didn’t reflect how comfortably Brighton brushed aside Tottenham Hotspur last week. Graham Potter’s side's first home win since June, was finally a result that reflected the Brighton performance.

Amongst the plaudits for the creative trio of Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Trossard and Neal Maupay – two more defensively minded players were crucial in this impressive win. Midfielder Yves Bissouma and defender Ben White – both of whom, could have left in January - were vital to Potter's success.

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Bissouma, who joined Albion from French-side Lille in 2018, was linked with Arsenal and a few other European clubs, but luckily Potter managed to keep hold of a player who has made nearly 70 appearances in just over two seasons.

Tireless, tenacious, and energetic - Bissouma is not only a box-box-midfielder but one the best tacklers in this season's Premier League. His goal – a sublime curling effort into the top-corner – against Blackpool, showed the 24-year-old to have that extra offensive quality in his locker. A skill that will undoubtedly take him to the very top.

The audacity of the long-range effort surprised his manager, who was quick to show his admiration for the talented midfielder. “He keeps telling me he’s got that quality and that ability to strike from distance”, Potter explained, after Brighton’s FA Cup Fourth Round win over Blackpool. “When he shot, I was nearly close to getting frustrated again and then you see it fly in the top corner and it’s hard to argue with that".

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Although not on the scoresheet, Bissouma showed his quality in breaking up the play and nullifying Tottenham's attacks in a memorable win at the Amex.

Ben WhiteBen White
Ben White

But whilst Bissouma was key in protecting the defence, it was Ben White, who excelled at the heart of it. The 23-year-old was a crucial part of the back three as Brighton recorded their third consecutive Premier League clean sheet for only the second time, and the first since October 2018.

Like his teammate Bissouma, White’s performances were also attracting a host of interest from top Premier League clubs – none more so than Liverpool, who made it clear they need and desire to sign a top centre half before the window closed.

White became a crucial part of Potter’s side, having impressed whilst on loan at Championship-winning Leeds United. On his return to Sussex, the 23-year-old has started almost every league game in this season. His ability on the ball and how he fits into a system governed by Potter's ideals are the reason for his constant starts.

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However, the club’s reported £50 million price-tag put an end to these rumours – the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and United all expected to renew their interest this summer.

With White and Bissouma, Potter has two incredibly talented youngsters, and it is of great relief that Albion have managed to keep both at the club. Not only are they highly skilled, but both vital to Potter’s brand of football and any potential successes Brighton have going forward.