France coach Didier Deschamps has said Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko is a "warrior" and the club can rely on him.

Sissoko joined Spurs from Newcastle United in a club-record £30 million deal on transfer deadline day, but has started just six matches and was criticised by manager Mauricio Pochettino following the defeat at Chelsea.

Pochettino said Sissoko -- left out of the matchday squad for that game -- needed to "work hard" to show he deserved to play.

But Deschamps believes the player's aptitude and quality are unquestionable, pointing to his Euro 2016 performances for runners-up France.

Moussa Sissoko has started only six games for Tottenham. Michael Steele/Getty Images

"There were some who said he shouldn't have been at the Euros. Look at what he did," Foot Mercato quoted him as saying.

"He's a warrior. You can rely on him. You can't just say he's all about power and speed.

"When you don't have a normal preseason, you pay for it a bit. I know him. He'll get to work, and I don't call his quality into question."

Pochettino has since backtracked on his criticism of Sissoko, saying it has been difficult for the 27-year-old to "adapt" at Tottenham after being hit by injuries and a suspension in his first months in North London.