Wayne Rooney outlines what he wants more of from Ibrahim Cissoko

Argyle winger Ibrahim Cissoko takes on West Bromwich Albion's Tom Fellows during the Championship match at The Hawthorns on Saturday, September 21, 2024 - Photo: Phil Mingo/PPAUK
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Wayne Rooney has praised Plymouth Argyle's Dutch under-21 international winger Ibrahim Cissoko for the way he has quickly settled into the Championship.

The Argyle head coach has been 'really pleased' with the loan signing from French Ligue 1 club Toulouse but wants to see more crosses into the opposition penalty area or shots on goal from him. Cissoko is one of just three players to have started all six league games this season, with Lewis Gibson and Morgan Whittaker being the other two.

Rooney said: "End product is massive and it's something which I have been speaking with Ibs about. He's a very talented player and he's also a frustrating player. I have played with forwards who are like that, but those moments he has are huge for us. At times he will give the ball away but you want him to be creative, you want him to try things.

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"When he gets it right he's a top player, he's very difficult to play against. The thing I have liked most about him is he has been kicked a lot in the first few games of the season but he has got up and got on with it.

"Sometimes it takes players longer than others to settle into the Championship. He has settled in well. He has started all the league games. He's a bubbly character around the place, I'm really pleased with him."

Cissoko, 21, scored his only goal so far for Argyle when they drew 1-1 at home to Hull City on August 17, but probably his best game came in the come-from-behind 3-2 victory over then league leaders Sunderland earlier this month when his attacking play was a key to the fightback.

Rooney said: "I think that was the big difference in the second half against Sunderland. He beat his player and put balls in the box.

"He's good with both feet, he can use them both really well. It's how can you be effective, if you beat your player whether you are driving past him or whether you beating him to get a yard to get the ball in the box? He's still a young player of course, but that decision making is what makes you a much better player."

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