Yves Bissouma has been hailed as “Champions League level” by Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter.
The 25-year-old impressed in the heart of the Seagulls midfield in yesterday’s 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
After going seven Premier League games without a win, Potter’s side have now pulled off back-to-back away wins at Arsenal and Tottenham to dent the north London duo’s quest for Champions League qualification.
The Malian midfielder has shone in both encounters and his performance against Antonio Conte’s side played a starring role in helping his team pick up another shock win.
Following Brighton’s win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Potter was not overly keen on picking out individuals from a solid team display.
But he reserved special praise for the former Lille man who once again showcased his qualities against one of the league’s big sides.
Speaking via the Argus, the former Swansea City manager said: “It’s hard when you have a team performance like we did to single anyone out.
“But tactically Yves was really good.
“He understood when to cover and when to release and when to put pressure on and then you could see his qualities.
“His high-end actions are Champions League level.
“I think you saw the full array of his quality.”
Against Spurs, the 25-year-old had 80 touches and completed all three of his attempted dribbles.
Displaying his box-to-box midfield qualities, Brighton’s number eight also made three tackles and four interceptions, as well as winning seven ground duels.
The downside to yesterday’s result was that Bissouma picked up his tenth Premier League yellow card of the season which means he will serve a two-game ban and miss the clashes against Manchester City and Southampton.
Bissouma, whose contract at the Amex Stadium expires next summer, has been linked with a big-money move to Aston Villa in the summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
But with Potter claiming that the £50m-valued midfielder has Champions League qualities, Steven Gerrard’s side may face stiff competition when chasing Bissouma’s signature come the summer.