After spending over €400 million on Neymar and Mbappe alone in the past couple of seasons, PSG appear to have their eyes set on winning the Champions League. Despite their expensive pursuit of silverware, the club’s academy players continue to get opportunities in the first team.
Presnel Kimpembe has become an important part of their defence, while Alphonse Areola is a regular between the sticks. Fellow graduates Christopher Nkunku, Stanley NSoki and Moussa Diaby have also enjoyed lots of game time this season. At 19, Diaby is already showing world-class potential. This tactical analysis will shine a light on his talents.
Story so far
Having joined PSG at the age of 13, Diaby made his professional debut last season during a six-month loan spell with Serie A side Crotone. The youngster made just two appearances in Italy before heading back to Paris in the summer. New head coach Thomas Tuchel has shown a lot more faith, handing him five starts in Ligue 1 and bringing him off the bench a further seven times.
At international level, he has represented France up to and including under-20 level, where he has recorded three goals in three games. Along with his club mate Yacine Adli, Diaby has been a star of the French youth teams in recent years. He is also eligible to play for Mali.
Dribbling & delivery
Perhaps the most notable aspect of his profile, Diaby has the ability to break defensive lines with his dribbling. He regularly uses his pace and close control to bypass defenders on the outside before delivering a cross or a cut-back. Additionally, he is adept at retaining possession in tight spaces, allowing him to resist pressure in central areas.
On average, he completes 6.12 dribbles per game, successfully completing 69.3%. He is confident in his ability to go beyond opponents and engages in 8.86 duels. Thomas Tuchel wants him to be brave on the ball and utilise his skill set to disrupt the organisation of the opposition. Diaby said this following his goal at Orleans.
The coach told me to play off the two attackers, to try my luck. Thats what I tried to do and it came off.
Most of his games this term have seen him line up on the wing. However, Tuchel’s fluid system means the 5372 Parisian can switch flanks, as well as operate through the midfield at times.
His capacity for taking the ball past opponents regularly sees him arrive in the chance-creating zones. He is adept at playing a weighted pass through the gaps between defenders after finding a way through the centre. Meanwhile, his delivery from wide areas is equally impressive.
The image below illustrates his talent for direct wing-play. Having broken away from two defenders, Diaby has given himself an opportunity to pick out a teammate with a cross to the near post.
His perfectly weighted delivery meets the run of the striker, who guides the ball into the far corner. This type of scenario is a frequent occurrence for Diaby, who makes 4.74 crosses per game. Whether playing through the middle or out wide, he consistently carries the ball into dangerous positions.
This talent has already helped the first team break down defensive-minded opponents on a number of occasions. His vision, composure, and technical quality allow him to play the right pass more often than not. The dynamic winger has a remarkable five assists in five starts so far in Ligue 1.
Spatial awareness
Another impressive element of Diaby’s game is his spatial awareness. So comfortable with the ball at his feet, he is able to get his head up to scan the positional play of his teammates and identify where the space is.
On top of his appreciation of sp
