International, U19 : Diallo faces the Spanish Giant

Diallo, the rise of a talented youngster

Since a year, Abdoulaye Diallo’s evolution in the world of football has been stepping up a real gear. First professional game, first professional contract, first U19 cap, and this Friday, he will play his first international competition final, the U19 European Nations Championship, against Spain.

On November 29th, 2009, Diallo was brought under the spotlight for a game at seven-time national champion Lyon (1-1). On that evening, and at very short notice, he replaced Nicolas Douchez between the posts for Rennes. Certainly not inhibited by the occasion, he showed a real class in action, and this despite a shaky first few minutes and a perfectible positioning on Lisandro Lopez’ equalising free-kick.

Whatever, the Reims born young man impressed by his presence, his serenity and his stretching ability, and he was decisive more than once during the game, stopping numerous shot including a one-to-one against Miralem Pjanic. Incredibly nonchalant on and off the ground, he showed a disconcerting confidence on Laurent Paganelli’s pitchside interview after the game, triggering the former Saint Etienne striker hilarity, surprised by the kid’s impressive phlegm. That’s the way “Abdou” is, no stress and loads of talent.

During the last season, Diallo went ahead of Aurélien Hérisson, Patrice Luzi, Cheick N’Diaye and Florent Petit to make his place on the Rennes bench, becoming Douchez’ first substitute. Arrived from INF Clairefontaine (2004-2007), then joined Rennes’ Academy were he was upgraded in each youth category. Only 16 years old, he was invited to train with the professional squad!

Focus on the Euro

Everything goes at an impressive speed for one of Patrick Rampillon’s wonderkids, as he signed his first professional contract in April 2010, keeping him at the club until June 2013. The previous month, he was called up to the France U19 squad for two preparation games to the Euro 2010 to be played in Normandy in June.

This soon became one of Diallo’s aims, to play a role in this European Championship. An indisputable starter in the French goals to the detriment of Marc Vidal (Toulouse), the French-Senegalese player’s serenity seems to reflect on his teammates, as Gaël Kakuta explained in newspaper L’Equipe: "He radiates on all of us. With him, we feel secure, as if nothing could happen to us". A beautiful tribute from one of this generation’s most gifted players, who trains everyday with… Petr Cech in Chelsea.

In the group phase, Francis Smerecki’s « Bleuets » went on to top their group composed of England, Austria and Holland. Diallo managed to disgusts England by himself, stopping about every chance coming his way, on the game preceding the semi-final against Croatia. Trailing after three minutes, the young Frenchmen came back in the game thanks to Gaël Kakuta, before Sochaux’ Cédric Bakambu made the difference with a screamer of a curly shot, leaving Croatian goalkeeper Matej Delač powerless.

Against Spain, the step will be even higher: “La Roja” has been impressive so far since the beginning of the competition, with four victories in as many games. With players such as Sergio Canales (Real Madrid), Sergio Keko (Atletico Madrid), or Liverpool strikerDaniel Pacheco (The tournament’s leading goal scorer with four goals), Diallo and his teammates will have to be cautious against a team eager to win their fifth title in the U19 category. Two years ago, the Tricolores had already faced this Spanish generation in the U17 Euro Final, in Turkey. At the time, the “Bleuets” had been trashed 4-0. There will certainly be a feeling of revenge in the air on Friday.

- Abdoulaye Diallo’s profile

- France - Spain, U19 Euro final. Friday, July 30th, 19:00, Stade d’Ornano (Caen). Live on TV : Direct 8.