A transfer listed Tottenham player took step to saving his future vs. Bodo Glimt | OneFootball

Tottenham turned in a thoroughly professional display against Bodo Glimt, winning 3-1 in the first leg of the Europa League semifinals despite losing talented midfielder Lucas Bergvall just before the match. And that was partially thanks to Yves Bissouma stepping up to the plate when many criticized his inclusion as a starter.

Bissouma wasn't the main protagonist of the night, as that honor probably has to go to Pedro Porro for his role in creating two goals with his inch-perfect deliveries. But Bissouma was critical to Spurs overall dominance of space in the match, as they never let Bodo Glimt truly get the better of them on the counter.

He and Rodrigo Bentancur were titans of the midfield. Both players are wanted by clubs around Europe, and Bissouma is one of a trio of notable names squarely on the Tottenham transfer shortlist in order to help facilitate other signings.

Can Yves Bissouma do this against bigger clubs?

Bissouma finished the match with three tackles and an interception while completing 88 percent of his passes in a composed display that impressed the supporters in a must-win first leg at home against a team fresh off upsetting Serie A's Lazio.

Throughout the 2024/25 season, Bissouma has been poor, like many of his teammates, and he has been phased out into a rotational role. Clearly, Bissouma isn't capable of being someone Tottenham rely on as a starter against top opponents, and Bodo Glimt are absolutely not the caliber of opposition Spurs are competing with for top-four places in the Premier League.

So Bissouma standing out against Bodo Glimt with a composed all-around display, particularly in defense, is hardly going to convince skeptics that he has what it takes to be a Tottenham starter against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal. But it does show an ability to rise to the occasion in important matches at a moment's notice that could be useful as a backup.

Bissouma will want to finish on a high note with Tottenham

Even if this performance alone isn't enough to save Bissouma's future at Tottenham, it is positive momentum he can use to string together other displays that, in conjunction with others, could convince the club not to sell the 28-year-old, especially if an offer isn't financially interesting to them.

And if not, at least Bissouma can go out on a high note by helping set up Tottenham to win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League, somewhat salvaging a season that has been an utter embarrassment int he Premier League.