Potter happy to see Bissouma get his radar right

by Graeme Jackson

Monday Jan 25, 2021. 13:00

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter has admitted that he was frustrated with Yves Bissouma’s wayward shooting prior to the Mali international’s long-range screamer this past weekend.

Bissouma scored a beauty from 30 yards out in the Seagulls’ 2-1 win over Blackpool in the FA Cup. A fortuitous second-half winner from Steven Alzate deservedly sent the Premier League side into round five after Gary Madine briefly levelled for the League One visitors.

“We’re getting a bit frustrated with him because he had a couple of shots before that that were scuffed along the floor,” said Potter, as quoted by Brighton & Hove Independent.

“And, 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.

“He keeps telling me he’s got that quality and that ability to strike from distance and we’re happy for him, happy that he’s contributed to the game and us getting through to the next round.”

Bissouma has been Brighton’s top player this season, sparking transfer links with heavyweights such as Real Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal.

Potter believes the 24-year-old has the potential to play Champions League football but insists he is not currently concerned about the prospect of a transfer away from the South Coast club.

“He’s got that quality, he’s got those attributes that you need at that level,” said Potter.

“It’s about him being consistent enough to do that. I think he’s made steps with that but there’s still more to do and more to come.

“It’s just nice that our players have taken a step forward, it’s nice for Yves that he’s taken a step forward. You never know anything in football these days.

“But from his perspective, I think he’s happy here, he wants to help the team, so we are quite relaxed about everything.”