'His pace made Ashley Cole look like a tortoise' – Goal.com World Player of the Week Moussa Sissoko

It was always going to be interesting to see which of January’s big-money movers would settle in the quickest; in the end, the standout player of the week was also one of the bargain buys of the transfer window.

Moussa Sissoko, one of the much-publicised sea of players to swap Ligue 1 for Newcastle, put in a memorable debut performance against Chelsea to belie his relatively meagre transfer fee. Bossing the game from the middle of midfield throughout, he struck two superbly-taken goals to hand the Magpies a dramatic 3-2 win, and but for the efforts of goalkeeper Petr Cech, he could have added to his tally.

In a season in which Alan Pardew’s side have struggled to find consistency, the pace, power, willingness to run and eye for goal of Sissoko could prove crucial in turning their campaign around, if his match-winning contribution on Saturday is anything to go by.

Goal.com‘s Miles Chambers had this to say on Sissoko’s sensational debut: “Newcastle United’s season has been a calamitous affair at times, but their January transfer window was a steamrolling success if Moussa Sissoko’s home debut is anything to go by.

“He held his own alongside compatriot Yohan Cabaye in a midfield that was going up against the European champions, but where he really shone was in front of goal. He powered forwards up the pitch to convert Yoan Gouffran’s grafted attempt, made Ashley Cole look like a tortoise with a Yaya Toure-esque sprint down the right chasing a seemingly lost cause, and then sent St James’ Park wild with his last-minute strike.

“It’s early doors for the outrageously cheap (roughly €2.3 million) France international, but he has certainly given an impeccable first impression to Premier League fans.”

Congratulations to Moussa Sissoko, Goal.com’s 194th World Player of the Week winner!

The Shortlist

Mario Balotelli – AC Milan Wiz Uniq: “He is a living legend.” Goal.com’s Carlo Garganese: “Welcome to the Balotelli show … there are sure to be some exciting episodes ahead.”
Dries Mertens – PSV  @RLFC_: “Beyond me how a bigger club hasn’t snapped him up yet.” Goal.com’s Stefan Coerts: “There’s little doubt he will attract the interest of Europe’s finest if he keeps up this form.”
Boaz Solossa – Persipura @JoeWright004: “Returned from serious injury as though he’d never been away.” Goal.com’s Bima Said: “He could’ve scored more if it weren’t for Persela’s resilient defence.”
Tono – Granada @Miles_Chambers: “Kept Real Madrid’s Andalusian misfortunes safely in his hands.” Goal.com’s Mark Doyle: “Denied Callejon and Ronaldo with fine stops, and deserved that little bit of luck.”