Diatta decisive in AS Monaco’s vital win over Strasbourg
Starting his first match for AS Monaco since November 2021 in the Monegasques’ Ligue 1 opener against Strasbourg, Krepin Diatta certainly rewarded his coach’s confidence with an impressive display.
Having struggled hugely with injuries since joining Monaco in January 2021, which saw him miss 46 games, it was great to see him back fully fit and shooting. Considering he was on the sidelines for most of last season after suffering a devastating ACL knee injury against Lille on November 19, coming back so successfully in his first competitive game was a joy for all. club associates.
Diatta even opportunely scored the coup by scoring an absolutely masterful volley to open the scoring. But his performance was so much more than the aforementioned moment of magic, as he underscored why he is such a dangerous and multi-faceted player with his movement, technical skills and interactions with his teammates also shining brightly.
To start with his move, and that formed a solid foundation for him to be such a threat. Posted on the right wing in Philippe Clément’s nominal 4-2-3-1 form, the Senegal international did a great job of stretching the Strasbourg backline with his cleverly timed runs and angled behind, even though he was not always chosen.
Aware of when his marker got out of shape, was caught watching the ball, or was concerned about a teammate, Diatta jumped smartly to get the jump on his tracker. The fact that he was so fast and launched into his runs when his teammate had the ball on his preferred foot and looked well placed to spot him was also remarkable.
So good at stretching the opposition vertically and horizontally when in a high and wide stance, it mostly allowed him to be isolated in advantageous 1v1s and draw his man towards him, which also created subsequently disconnects in the Strasbourg backline to be exploited by his colleagues.
It was remarkable how his partners in crime had pinned opponents for him to use as well, as they spoke cohesively to help each other progress while unbalancing Strasbourg’s rearguard.
The cover provided behind him by right-back Ruben Aguilar was also crucial, as his depth allowed him to offer structural safety in the event of a turnover so Diatta could enjoy freedom in forward areas.
When the ball was on the opposite flank, the 23-year-old frequently drifted downfield, giving him the chance to link up with Sofiane Diop and Breel Embolo and attack the box with clever blind shots. the box should be an outlet for crosses against stationary enemies and facing the ball.
Showing good awareness when dropping deeper to support play, knowing when to form overloads in wide areas and when weaving in the center in half-spaces or between lines, this added variety vital to his game to keep his markers guessing.
His positioning also played a key role for his goal, as Clement’s instructions to place him close to the edge of the box to pick up rebounds paid dividends, allowing him to be perfectly situated to unleash his sublime home volley. “Often when I was in Brugge, where I knew the coach and the same staff, they pushed me, because I often score when I try my luck in this situation. I scored a few volleys like that in Belgium” , he explained when asked about his purpose.
“Yesterday in training I scored exactly the same way. It’s something that comes naturally to me and I’m very happy to have succeeded today. When I hit the ball, I immediately felt that it was going to go in! I had already started running to celebrate (smile).
When it comes to his work with the ball at his feet, Diatta has also done a lot of positive things. Proving a tough customer for Alexander Djiku and Dimitri Lienard, his vicious acceleration and pace, tight control, abrupt changes in speed and direction and clever shimmies made him a tough man to watch.
Particularly dangerous with the time and space to cover, his ball carrying was certainly a thorn in Strasbourg’s side, with the unpredictable and explosive Diatta producing the goods on the verge of completing six progressive runs, his five dribbling attempts and winning two fouls. .
Also neat and tidy with his passing, not only did he play smooth with smooth one- and two-touch passes, but he also provided measured balls from behind to compel runners, found his forwards’ feet and recirculated possession consistently.
Almost always making the right decisions when to drop the ball or when to drive up the pitch with the ball at his feet, more in terms of when and where to move, there was a lot to admire about his threat in the final third . A few more numbers of note that underline this stem from his six touches inside the box, four shots, three chances created and that he had 95% passing accuracy.
Meanwhile, on the defensive side, the way he pressed aggressively, used his cover shadow to block the passing lanes behind him, followed diligently and knew when to step in and press Djiku, push towards Lienard or tuck in for helping to monitor a close midfielder when the ball was on the other side was also worth mentioning.
“I am very happy for him! He has worked very hard over the last eight months, and for that I also want to commend the medical staff. He played almost the whole game today and that’s a good thing. I know Krepin well and I know he can still grow enormously in the months and years to come,” a delighted Clement shone after the 2-1 triumph.
A delighted and grateful Diatta then shared his thoughts on his wonderful day at the office, saying, “Personally, it was a joy to get back on the pitch for me as I worked hard.
“Everyone was behind me, the club put me in very good conditions. I knew I was going to come back strong, because I was very well supported, whether by my family, the physiotherapists and especially Jérôme Palestri, with whom I worked for six months. I dedicate this goal to him and to all those who contributed to my return. My work alone was not enough. And I won’t forget it.
Injecting a lot of dynamism and energy into Monaco’s attacking game, his presence allowed his team to grab all three points to kick off their new Ligue 1 campaign.
Following his encouraging work in his first league game in 260 days, the plan will now look to build on that breakthrough as he hopes this confidence-boosting display will be the catalyst for him to return to his freedom. flowing as best as possible.
Still just 23 and with so many opportunities to take his game to the next level, the hugely talented striker is now desperate to stay healthy in order to fulfill his immense potential.