Moussa Sissoko
When Sissoko moved from Toulouse in January last year he settled immediately into the Premier League, scoring twice in a 3-2 win over Chelsea. A few weeks later he netted in a 4-2 triumph over Southampton and looked the complete midfielder.
Since, however, he has not been able to hit those heights regularly
The former Toulouse midfielder performed solidly against Premier League champions Manchester City.
Sissoko operated in his preferred central role alongside Jack Colback and was given freedom to push forward more because Vurnon Anita was deployed in the holding role.
Alan Pardew: “I wouldn’t say Yohan Cabaye was the leader in the dressing room as such but he was a leader on the pitch in terms of the way he pulled the strings and dictated the pace and Moussa is a different type of player to him.
“I think Moussa can lead us with his spirit and his drive.
"That is his strength and he has already shown that in his early games here when he scored against Chelsea.
"He has such tremendous power and, of course, in the Premier League that is very important and in the world game too.”
“I think Moussa is a player who can grow.
"And I think he can improve in the Premier League and for France. He showed a few flashes in the World Cup and that was very pleasing for us.
“He’s a huge character as well as a very important player for us and I think we will see more of his character this year. He has a winning mentality and we are looking forward to a big season from him.”