Manchester United have always been a team that prides on signing young players. No matter the market, The Red Devils are usually on the race when it comes to signing some of the best youngsters in the world. Therefore, it is not strange to see them linked with a move for Krepin Diatta.
Several experts consider Diatta as one of the best up-and-coming attacking midfielders in the world. In fact, United have been targeting the 18-year-old in recent weeks, and sent scouts to watch him when he featured for his club, Sarpsborg 08 in Norway, against Odd this past Monday. There could be a lot of competition to acquire, but first we must know him. And who, in reality, is Diatta?
One Of The Top Prospects In The World
As mentioned above, Krepin Diatta is an 18-year-old playmaker who already plays as an international for Senegal at the U20 level. He is regarded as a player with strength, athleticism and pace, Diatta is viewed as one of the most promising youngsters currently playing in Europe and United have monitored his progress in recent months. But other teams have tracked him as well. He might be expensive, however, and it wouldn’t be surprising if United get involved into a bidding war for his services. There are lots of teams that could use him.
Sarpsborg moved quickly to protect his asset, though, and signed him to a new four-year deal with the Norwegian side in February. So it is going to be quite tough for Manchester United to sign him. Even if the player himself said “it would be a dream come true” to join the Old Trafford side.
Playing Style and Future Projections
Diatta’s game lies on his pace to make things happen. He is quick, and can make a difference with his velocity in the final meters. But it’s tough to say where Diatta will play once he becomes a member of the first team of a bigger club.
Sure, he can play as a striker in a lower league such as the Norwegian Tippeligaen. And the numbers this season have been kind to the Senegalese teenager. Diatta has seven goals and one assist in 19 appearances across all competitions. But can he play on that same role in a tougher environment such as the English Premier League?
That’s tough to say. He would have to mature even more physically and technically, but he has all the tools to make that happen since he is only 18 years old. But to make the most of his strengths, Diatta would profile better as an attacking midfielder or as a second striker. Considering he can make things happen all over the final third, it would better to have on a free role but leaning towards one of the wings. Confining him to a central role would limit the areas where he can make an impact.
Only time will tell what his future position will be. But there is no doubt he has enough potential to be one of the best attacking players in the world in a few more years.
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