Regardless of it being an open secret for some time, Barcelona solely formally confirmed the signing of younger African expertise Ibrahim Diarra for the reserve staff earlier this month.
The teenager, who made headlines after his beautiful marketing campaign with Mali within the Beneath-17 World Cup, lately turned 18 and Barcelona instantly pounced on the possibility to make his arrival official and safe his future.
In any case, he’s broadly seen as one in every of Africa’s brightest abilities lately and is seen to have nice potential as a ahead.
Diarra’s coach speaks to the media
Talking to the media (h/t SPORT), Mali U-20 worldwide staff coach Soumaila Coulibaly shared his ideas on Barcelona’s new signing and the potential he noticed within the teenager.
He started by describing Diarra’s profile and breaking down what the Catalans can anticipate from the participant.
“He has a basic profile of Barça footballer for a very long time. Left-footed, highly effective, with good one-on-one and strikes very nicely between traces, between the defence and breaks the sport when the opponent is compact,” he started.
“As well as, he’s decisive relating to stepping up when wanted,” he added.
The supervisor was then requested what he considered Diarra when he noticed him for the primary time, to which he stated,
“The primary time I noticed him was when he got here with the choice within the cadet class. I advised everybody that he could be the one who was going to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.”
“You possibly can ask his former president or the others who had been current, solely I believed in him,” he added.
Talking on what the attacker should develop so as to be ready for a staff like Barcelona, Coulibaly stated,
“He is superb, however logically he nonetheless has to develop in all sides of the sport. I believe that arriving at Barça now’s the perfect information for him, due to his age and his skill to develop and develop his potential.”
Regardless of admitting that Diarra had an extended option to go, his worldwide supervisor refused to rule out the potential for a debut underneath Hansi Flick this season.
“It’s potential, I believe {that a} debut may happen. If he’s bodily nicely, he’ll be capable of show many issues and Flick is certain to be attentive.”
Having detailed the teenager’s profile, the supervisor was requested to check him to a participant from the previous or current, to which he stated,
“He jogs my memory of Rivaldo or Lamine Yamal. Left-footed with related traits. However he should make his means, in fact.”
“For me, he’s the best expertise in Mali proper now, unquestionably,” he added.
Lastly, he gave his verdict on whether or not the ahead had what it takes to succeed at Barcelona.
“Sure, though for this you have to work exhausting and above all consider in your self, have religion and confidence. It has the standard for it.”