When Sunderland accepted Amad Diallo on loan from Manchester United in the summer, they were taking a risk. The forward had a lot of raw ability, but after a disappointing stint with Glasgow Rangers, there were some questions about his real potential.
The 20-year-old, however, has allayed any worries with a string of outstanding performances that have enabled Sunderland to surpass predictions in their first season back in the Championship. The Ivory Coast star has nine goals and was essential to Tony Mowbray's team moving up the table; a late charge for the play-offs is not ruled out.
Amad's parent club has closely followed his development at the Stadium of Light, and Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag is happy that he is playing so much this year. The player has acknowledged the confidence boost Tony Mowbray and the Sunderland coaching team have given him, and he has admitted he hopes to maintain that momentum into a significant 2023 season.
"Since I’ve been here, I’ve played in all the games and so I have felt I have more confidence," the forward told MUTV.
"The manager and all the staff are confident in me and I think that this will help me a lot for next year. I hope that next year will be a good season for me."
“When a player goes on loan, the first thing is to get lots of playing minutes, and, yes, once you get lots of minutes and start playing lots, you grow straight away. Your confidence increases, and I think that, since I have been here, at the beginning I didn’t play much, but then I started playing regularly and, from there, it all started," he explained.
"And, like I said before, I think this loan spell will help me for next season because it has helped me mature, and I have grown lots, on a mental level as well, and feel I have the ability to show this next season."
Amad Diallo has handled the physical demands of playing Championship football excellently, which would be a great benefit to the 20 year old when he starts getting game times under Erik Ten Hag in the Premier League next campaign. Although his technical prowess was undeniable, he has risen to the task of the division, winning player of the month in December.
"When I arrived at Manchester United, I was a bit thin," he added. "Now I do lots in the gym, even when I’m at home and I haven’t much to do. I think that it is needed for playing here in England because you need to do everything you can to be able to react to playing in this league."
"We’ve faced many teams in the Championship that had very physical players but I think the game doesn’t always depend on the physicality because I think, if you have the technical ability and if you have the ability to play fast, your physicality is less important."
"But yes, like I said before, it is important to have muscles to play against defenders. However, if you are intelligent players that can make the difference, then it’s needed less."
"I was even the Young Player of the Month. It was a very great feeling for me. I hope to continue in this and play very good this season.”
Amad Diallo will be hoping he has left an impression on Erik Ten Hag who would be looking to immensely improve his squad ahead of next season. If Amad Diallo managed to stay at Old Trafford next campaign, he will have to fight for the right wing starting berth with Antony, Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Elanga.
Post a Comment