The Yves Bissouma data that reveals why Liverpool, Arsenal and Real Madrid are poised

Due to his impressive performances so far this season, the 24-year-old has caught the eye of Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal. However, if the Seagulls are to maintain their Premier League status by the end of the season, then they can’t be tempted to sell the midfielder this winter. The Mali international joined the club from Lille after a two-year spell in Ligue 1, where he showed signs of becoming an established Premier League midfielder. Bissouma made his debut for Albion during the opening day defeat to Watford at the beginning of the 2018/19 campaign. At the end of his maiden season at the club, Bissouma made 34 appearances in all competitions, while scoring one goal in a 3-1 FA Cup victory against AFC Bournemouth. What makes the midfielder such a prize asset for Potter’s side is his ability on and off the ball. It’s no secret that the former Swansea City manager has implemented a slick, fast-paced passing style on the south coast, which thrives off players retrieving the ball and making accurate passes that turn defence into attack. Bissouma flourishes across both departments as Brighton fans have already seen this season. Across his 13 Premier League appearances, Bissouma averages 3.3 tackles per game, while averaging 1.6 clearances. Perhaps the most interesting stat that highlights how astute he is defensively is that he averages being dribbled past 0.8 times per match. When having the ball at his feet, he also possesses the ability to start attacks by recycling the ball. The Mali international has made an average of 48.1 passes per match, of which 86.2% are successful. Playing alongside players such as Adam Lallana, Bissouma has received the assumption that his role in the team is to provide the defensive solidarity that allows more creative players the opportunity to flourish. However, his attributes also allow him to be a key asset going forward. So far this season he has averaged 1.5 shots per game and has drawn an average 1.5 fouls per game. The midfielder has also averaged 1.5 dribbles per game and, of course, scored an outrageous effort in the 4-2 defeat to Everton earlier this season. Despite his sublime finish against the Toffees, the former Lille player does need to add more goals and assists to his game. Throughout his time at the AMEX so far he has scored three goals but is yet to register a league assist for the club. Another aspect of his game he needs to refine is his temperament. He has already received four yellow cards in 13 games. During the 3-0 away victory to Newcastle, he was also sent off for a high boot to Jamal Lewis. It’s clear to see why the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal have started sniffing around Bissouma. Jurgen Klopp has a proven track record of turning players from mid-table clubs into world-stars. Virgil van Dijk and Sadio Mane were also plucked from the south coast from Southampton while Georginio Wijnaldum was purchased from newly-relegated Newcastle United in 2016. The Netherlands international’s future looks uncertain at Anfield due to interest from his former national team boss and current Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman. The Reds may perhaps see Bissouma as the ideal replacement if he is to leave for the Catalan giants. Despite the Gunners’ trophy-laden history, Brighton’s fixture with them following respective boxing day clashes against Chelsea and West Ham United could be seen as a relegation six-pointer. The Seagulls are still showing glimpses of impressive performances but are struggling to score goals. Back-to-back draws against Fulham and Sheffield United have prevented Potter’s side to climb away from the relegation zone. The Seagull’s have to stay strong during the January transfer window as they are going to need to maintain the quality of Bissouma and Ben White, who has also been heavily linked with a move away from the club, if they are to secure a fifth consecutive season in the Premier League.