Ibrahim Mbaye, Mamadou Sarr : Et si Pape Thiaw ôtait ses œillères ?
Senegal fared no better than Ivory Coast and Morocco. The Lions were beaten (3-1) by France yesterday, Tuesday, in their opening match of the World Cup.
Far from being ridiculous, the Senegalese team gave the world runners-up a run for their money in the first half. Had it not been for Nicolas Jackson's lack of luck and Ismaila Sarr's clumsiness, Senegal could have been leading at the end of these first 45 minutes.
The second half unfortunately went in favor of the Blues, but it was full of lessons for Senegal.
Pape Thiaw could have started Mamadou Sarr, who has the advantage of speed.
For example, it was noticeable that Kalidou Koulibaly lacked energy. He was troubled by the French attackers, who were often quicker than him. This physical deficit is understandable, given that the former Chelsea defender was returning from injury. Pape Thiaw could have started Mamadou Sarr, who has the advantage of speed. This quality was sorely lacking for the Lions on Tuesday.
The Senegalese coach should, it seems, start by installing Mamadou Sarr in that central defender position, because, in reality, Koulibaly no longer has the legs of a 20-year-old. He is currently 34 years old and won't get any younger. Sometimes you have to disregard a player's status and prioritize performance, and above all, victory, because a player who is no longer at 100% can't contribute much to his team.
Install Ibrahim Mbaye
Besides the defense, Pape Thiaw also needs to make some bold choices in attack. Ibrahim Mbaye absolutely must be in the starting lineup. This player is brimming with talent and demonstrates it in every match, in all the major football fixtures.
Every time he comes off the bench, he creates danger in the opposing half. We saw him score a spectacular goal during the last Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Even his goal against France last night was top-class.
Yamal has been a regular starter for Spain since he was 16, so why not Ibrahim Mbaye, who, incidentally, is older (18)? Pape Thiaw needs to take off his blinders and understand everything this Parisian youngster can bring to his team in 90 minutes.
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