Ousseynou Cisse became Robbie Neilson’s third summer signing on Thursday. The Scotsman is beginning his first full campaign as MK Dons manager and made Mali international Cisse his third acquisition. This came alongside Peter Pawlett, signed from Aberdeen, and Conor McGrandles, who joined from Norwich. The Dons’ new signing has a wealth of experience, having played in Belgium, Spain and France in his career. However, he is largely unknown to English football fans.
Ousseynou Cisse: MK Dons’ New Signing In Detail
Past Experience
Ousseynou Cisse began his career in France, having spells at Jouy-le-Moutier, Paris St-Germain and Amiens as a youth player, and then finally breaking through into the senior team at Amiens. He made his debut for the side in a 1-0 loss to Stade de Reims in Ligue 2. He spent little time here as a senior player, however, and made the switch to Dijon in 2012, upon their return to Ligue 2 after one season in the top flight.
Cisse became an integral part of the Dijon team that finished seventh in their 2012-13 campaign. It wasn’t until two years later, however, that he managed to score his first goal for the club. It came in a 2-2 draw away at AJ Auxerre, where he rescued a point for the visitors with a powerful stoppage-time header.
Despite this, he moved abroad for the beginning of the 2015/16 season, signing a three-year deal at Rayo Vallecano. The move didn’t pan out, with Cisse making zero appearances for the Spanish side. Thus he was loaned to Belgian side Waasland-Beveren in the January transfer window. He made nine appearances in the Belgian top flight, scoring once. Upon the expiry of his loan, he left Rayo Vallecano to return to France, signing with Tours FC.
At Tours, Cisse enjoyed his most successful spell since leaving Dijon. He played 25 times on his return to Ligue 2 in 2016-17, scoring one goal from midfield.
Where Will He Play?
At the end of a difficult return to England’s third tier for MK Dons, vice-captain Darren Potter was released. The central midfielder spent six years with the Dons. However, his contract was not renewed and he joined Rotherham United upon its expiry. As well as this, the Dons failed to fill the void left by Samir Carruthers when he joined Sheffield United in the January transfer window.
With these two spaces to fill, it seems most likely that Ousseynou Cisse will be deployed in his usual position of central midfield. His versatility means that he can also operate as a defensive midfielder or as a centre-back. However, Robbie Neilson has predominantly used a 4-3-3 formation since his arrival, with a flat midfield three rather than having deeper or more advanced players.
The return of central defender Scott Wootton from a season-long injury should also mean that Cisse will not be needed in the defensive line. The Dons already have three potential first-team centre-backs in the squad, as well as youngsters such as Oran Jackson. This amount of cover will ensure that Cisse can play in his preferred position, getting the best out of his ability.
What Can He Bring To The Team?
Standing at 6’4, Cisse is certainly no pushover in the middle of the park. He will bring a massive amount of power to the MK Dons midfield; more so than Potter or Carruthers could provide. It will be something different for the Dons’ fans to see. They were treated to it in an attacking sense with the signing of Chuks Aneke. However, it will be different, perhaps even refreshing, to see such power displayed defensively.
Cisse is unlikely to get forward much. If Robbie Neilson remains with his flat midfield three, he will probably be the one to stay the furthest back. When he does get forward though, he has the potential to be dangerous. Manager Neilson told the MK Dons website “It will take him a little bit of time to get used to the hectic nature of British football because it’s 100 miles per hour but he’s got great physicality and a great left-foot.”
Final Overview
Ousseynou Cisse is certainly different to any other player that MK Dons have signed in their past. The only player with a comparable physicality would be Chuks Aneke, however, their different roles within the team set them apart.
Cisse is a more than able replacement for the departed Darren Potter and could be what the Dons have been missing for a number of years.
Hopefully, his acquisition can be a catalyst for more signings to come through the doors at stadium.mk. At this time, though, this is a very positive moment within the transfer window.
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