Trippier is a better footballer than Sissoko.
He’s not big or fast, but he can trap a ball better than Sissoko can trap his own wind.
I judge that on seeing them both play many times. And in my defence, I agree with you about Trippier’s limitations.
Neither are top drawer, but your dislike of Trippier is another man’s dislike of Sissoko. If you’re a fan of a player, it’s irrational to another fan who doesn’t rate the same lad.
I don’t get why you rigorously defend Sissoko (who I still think is a fucking pudding) whilst shitstomping Trippier. Whatever the stats say or don’t, Trippier assists more to the cause than the lumbering misfielder who plays ahead of him.
Edit- missed the Sammy & Mick cunt off.
Solid 8/10 gentlemen. That is some old school rivalry. Both making very good points that get lost in the savage battle of wits. Keep it clean. As you were chaps.
I only tear into young Tripps if and when he's shit, so after a game, I also make sure he gets praise when earned, although his shit games are so frequent I sometimes don't even bother. Only time I may pipe up on him away from a game is when someone may still call him "better than Walker" which is guaranteed to get me to responded, game or no game.
I defend Sissoko ONLY when I feel he is being slated for no reason, as in what feels is 80% of his games. I think he's a poor footballer, said it before we signed him and nothing has changed my view of him.
All this said and done he's bringing something to our games at the moment. Not in a creative sense, not in sense of flair, but not sure that was what he has ever done(??), maybe those who slate him literally every game (not directing that at anyone in particular, but 100% he gets it from fans be they in the stands or online and immediate response after West Ham game backs that up) think he's supposed to be a flair player a tricky winger that set-up gaols every week and may be thats why he gets a lot of stick. His contributions started last year when he came off the bench in games, mainly to see out the last 10 mins of game, he stopped us sitting deep as he carried the ball up the pitch, made us play 20yrd further forward, absolutely nothing spectacular but his presence, strength and ability to carry the ball freed our defence from a team pushing-on for an equaliser. He's no calamity, Paulinho (couldn't give a fuck what he's doing today for Barca) was, he cost us points when he would hide, not track back, not tackle and generally ghost around in games, we played with 10 men when he played. Nothing individual Sissoko has dane has contributed to a loss or dropped points, he may have been contributed to a poor game but just as poor as other players in a poor performance but it was always Sissoko's that took the abuse. The West Ham game encapsulated everything, gets slated for doing the role he was asked to perform (majority didn't even notice the position he was playing in, yet banged on about "what does he do", "sideways passes", "only short passes" while Dier playing in exactly the position (I love the lad and would pick him every week) played far worse yet not a word from anyone about how poor he was.
His contributions this season have been far better, again nothing spectacular, no flair, nothing flashy, he is a utility player, a water carrier a functional player who looks awkward on the ball, awkward in the tackle, awkward controlling the ball but for all his awkwardness he usually emerges with the ball at his feet with an oppo player lying on the floor scratching his head at how this was possible. His pressing has also been highly effective too. He has proved to be relatively flexible in the positions Poch has got him to play (Wing-Back, CM, RCM, Right Wing and now DM). There have also been genuine moments of excitement specifically when he runs into space with pace be that with or without the ball. He's one of the most unselfish players on the team, when attacking he will always look to pass to Kane, Dele, Son, Eriksen when a shot would have been the better option. Compared to our previous benches we have had, with him on it he's improved it. When he comes on he functionally carries out his role, doesn't cost us points, doesn't weaken the team. People always look to an oppo bench in awe by saying look who they can bring on, well with Sissoko we have a regular French international (one of the top teams in the World) to call on to see out a game, not change a game if we are losing or drawing I might add.
If he was sold tomorrow I wouldn't shed a single tear as there are many better players than him. For me the biggest downside to him being with us has been at the expense of Josh Onomah. Onomah has so much potential as a player (who's performances out shown Winks in our academy), I think Onomah would have delivered the same as Sissoko, no worse, no better but he would have got minutes, build his confidence. It would have been yet another passionate Yid, coming through the academy. It would have meant £30m could have been spent on better be that one player or a couple.
Sorry for the essay but kind of lays out how I feel about the player.