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      Momo Sissoko: A Tribute To Our New Hero ..

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      Momo Sissoko: A Tribute To Our New Hero ..
      Jun 28, 2006 09:03:10 pm
      Mohammed Sissoko had possibly the best start imaginable to his Liverpool career, even before heā€™d kicked a ball for the Reds.  The first time Sissokoā€™s name was mentioned on Merseyside, he was set to join Everton from Valencia, only to snub them and move to their more illustrious neighbours, declaring ā€œI know Everton fans may be upset but I am a Red nowā€, pleasing Reds far more than the usual ā€˜Iā€™ve supported them all my lifeā€™ business.

      A new central midfielder didnā€™t exactly seem like number one priority in 2005 ā€“ it was no secret amongst players, staff and fans that a right midfielder and a centre half were needed.  With Stevie Gerrard deciding to stay at Anfield, Xabi Alonso excelling in his first season in England and Didi Hamann given a (potential) two year deal on the back of his Istanbul heroics, we certainly werenā€™t lacking numbers or quality in the middle, unlike those two problem positions mentioned.

      Fast forward twelve months and Sissokoā€™s signing has been undoubtedly proven to all. Whilst the likes of Gerrard and Carragher usually top Player of the Year polls, my vote would go to the Malian.  In fact, before the media declared the FA Cup final ā€˜The Gerrard Finalā€™ it was Sissoko who was voted Man of the Match by most on the coach home; his display in Cardiff was exceptional, and typified his season.

      It was his performance at Middlesbrough that made most stand up and take notice.  For years defensive midfieldersā€™ careers seemed to stutter upon joining Liverpool; under Houllier the likes of Diao, Diarra and Biscan (Until he was given a run) were all brought in to little to no success, meaning most fans were pleasantly surprised with Sissokoā€™s energetic performance on that opening day.  He covered every blade of grass that day, winning the ball every time Mendieta tried to drive forward and inserting some much needed urgency in the middle.

      Whilst Hamann has a calming effect on the side and Alonso is second to none at passing, it was down to Gerrard mainly to make runs from the middle and support the striker(s) in 2004/05.  Sissoko proved in even his first few games that this was exactly why Benitez brought him in when a right winger and striker seemed to be more important, helping both defence and attack and easing the burden on Gerrard.

      His early season form was excellent, especially in Champions League ties against Real Betis and Anderlecht.  His distribution was at times erratic and his timing of the tackle was a bit wayward ā€“ but his non stop running and willingness to do the dirty work ensured that Gerrard and Alonso thrived ā€“ Gerrardā€™s best season in Red was in no small part due to Sissokoā€™s arrival.  After he was dismissed at Sunderland, Sissoko was only booked six times in twenty three games; certainly no Saint but when compared to Sissokoā€™s early season form of six yellows and a red in twenty games, not to mention numerous potential red cards, heā€™s certainly calmed a little bit.

      Whilst Sissoko was a firm favourite at this point, it wasnā€™t until the Reds went to Portugal that Sissokoā€™s importance to the team became even more apparent.  Kicked in the eye by Benficaā€™s Beto, Momo damaged his retina and caused concern that he may never play again.  Displays against Man City and Charlton at home lacked Sissokoā€™s energy from midfield, and Gerrard (now moved infield) and Alonso both suffered as a result of Sissokoā€™s absence, both games lacking any real tempo.

      His return against Birmingham in the FA Cup was a surprise to all.  There were no big stories for weeks in advance of his return, and it was only on the day of the game that it became known he would start.  After a month without playing a game there were concerns over fitness, but more than that there were fears he may not have the same bite in a tackle, fears that he would be wary of hurting his eye again.  But Sissokoā€™s display that night dispelled any of these fears, and showed everyone the courage of Sissoko as he completed the ninety minutes.  Sissoko left the pitch last at full time to the sound of his name booming out of the away end; proof if needed that Sissoko had impressed in the little time heā€™s had at Anfield.

      It was no coincidence that the Reds form was superb towards the end of the season, with Sissoko not only helping the forwards by livening up matches with a run or quick pass, but helping Gerrard, Alonso and Kewell fly forward without having to worry about being back in case of a counter attack.  His display against Everton when Gerrard was sent off was superb; endless spot on tackles and superb passes went to show that Sissoko has matured as a player since joining Liverpool ā€“ rash tackles, whilst not totally eliminated, have been cut down and his passing is no long wayward at time.

      A lot of players have been brought in to replace Dietmar Hamann, but very little have had success.  Biscan, Diao et al were supposedly brought in at the height of the rumours linking Hamann to Bayern.  But Sissoko managed to keep Hamann out of the side, a compliment of the highest order, and a feat most wouldnā€™t achieve.

      He even seems sound off the pitch.  The story of his bust up with Ranieri has me laughing every time.  A nineteen year old Sissoko had taken time off from Valencia duty to go and play for Mali, returning two days late.  When quizzed as to were heā€™d been, Sissoko told the Italian manager heā€™d played another friendly for Mali, and not only had he played heā€™d scored a beauty and was man of the match!  Alas no such match was ever played and Sissoko had gone to see his Dad.  Sissoko kept up his Billy Bullshit routine when asked prior to the Real Betis away fixture what his memories were of playing at Betis; Momo replied that heā€™d never lost there and could remember once heā€™d scored two against them.  Of course, when said journalist checked up, Sissoko had never scored against Betis!

      Whilst there have been players in the past who have impressed in their first season and disappointed after that, itā€™s hard to see Sissoko not going on to become a huge star.  He can still improve his passing, and learn to control his tackling now and again, but he has improved immensely in these areas even just in a season.  He never shirks a tackle and is undoubtedly a tough customer, exactly what we need in the centre.

      Whilst Gerrard, Alonso and Garcia get the plaudits, itā€™s Sissoko whoā€™s playing a huge role in letting them play.

      Most definitely far too good to have become a Blue anyway!

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