Slowly but surely getting to grips with the speed of the Premiership. Very shaky first 15 minutes giving the ball away but had an excellent second half in my opinion. Improving with every game.
Diakite looks like he could be the real deal, Along with Taiwo in my view. He was at fault, along with the rest of the defence imitating statues for the second goal(they could have scored twice), but ok defensively that aside and great cross for Cisse's goal, finally got a free kick beyond the wall. Shame Traore got another knock though, he's a bit fragile.
Thought Diakite was brilliant. Arrived 10 minutes late so missed all the early Liverpool pressure, but how much better did we look without Barton, and Mackie was very good as a super sub. Even Paddy made some saves. Could this be the new beginning?
diakite is very raw but has the talent to become a very good player if coached right. Thats another assist for Taiwo tonight, hes got more in a handful of games than SWP and Barton have combined. Lots of people were slating him too but he put in a great cross for the goal and was also thinking quick to get a short corner off taarabt for a threatening ball in. Id like both of these kept if possible.
He's improving with every game,keep him and Derry in there and give Barton a rest.What was up with Onouha tonight,he looked awful and was caught out of position on so many occasions.Is it because he's been playing right-back?Great result tonight but we somehow have to shore things up at the back,we're gonna score in most of our remaining games so clean sheets are pivotal to our survival.
The word to describe Diakite is definitely erratic. I worry every time he gets the ball, especially when in the first half today (more so first 20 minutes) he completed 1 pass out of about 10. Second half he showed the fight that was needed and was actually very skilful. I wonder what goes through his head, especially as when we scored the winner he thought it was necessary to run with the ball inside our own half at the Liverpool team, but nevertheless, I love him.
Diakite is black, Barton is white. I hope that means you dont get them confused in the future! He ran at them and wasted some time, it was the right thing to do, he can either keep it in a dangerous area or hoof it and probably give the ball away.
It may have been the right thing to do in hindsight, but I for one had my heart in my mouth when he started running!
I don't know if any of you was at HQ tonight. Diakite was quality. OK, I agree that the first 20 mins was a bit jumpy. As it was for most of us, but once he settled and recieved the ball , he was so confident. He carries it well, and probably could release it a bit sooner, but this lad is the real deal. Reminds me of a certain P. Viera.
I have tosay that for the last 75 minutes or so Diakate was excellent. If he improves like that in every match we have left he just might be the man who saves us from relegation. He also got an unique style when he goes on with the ball and he is strong and fast too. Certainly one of our better players yesterday.
Diakate is starting to settle down, showing what MH must have seen in him. After the first 20 mins he started to play a lot better, making simple passes in danagerous areas and not elaborating in our half. With a little more confidence he may be able to get some end product from his mazy runs, there was one in the second half where he had about 3 chance to shoot and end up passing backwards but definataley starting to show his potential.
Honestly this player has it all for the future ... I agree you sense he is a bit green but **** me he has some potential there and his shot albeit rising nearly took my mates Mick's head off as he is Liverpool ....really regret not going . As I may have been crucified in the Red end . By all accounts the reds thought Diakite is quality as they do Faurlin and Taarabt ... Me thinks we are being watched ... We have three gems that if you ditch Barton look like one very good midfield for the future
Yep, growing on me too. Must be working hard in training to lose the rough edges and get some finesse into his game. A work in progress and certainly one for the future.
I thought he was fantastic topped off by a good run on the 92nd minute holding the ball, he was a close 2nd to Derry for moth in my opinion.
He's still adjusting to a completely different style of league, and playing with people he barely knows. You cannot argue with the mans sheer enthusiasm even if he is knocking the opposition players down all over the pitch! His dribbling ability is exceptional only Taraabt is better! Also, although he was limiting his tricks last night, at times when Taraabt was doing his magic he was doing stuff that Gerrard could only dream of doing. FACT!
Have we signed him permanently? I remember Lyon not being happy with him in the ACON, which makes me think we have, but cannot be sure...
Sounds like I am the only one who still has serious reservations. Tha raw talent is there for all to see but I had my heart in my mouth whenever he got the ball in front of the back 4. And it was him who tried to dribble out of the penalty area when faced with a wall of red shirts wasn't it? Remember this guy is no novice, he's 23 and has plays at a good international level.
He's on loan until the summer, then we have option to buy. One of the many reasons staying up is vital, doubt we would go for it in the Championship. If we don't get him he seems ideal for Arsenal - youngish, French African, comfortable on the ball, pacy .....surprised Wenger hasn't spotted him already, bit of steel for them. He's not a seasoned international Aaaaaaagh, debut was in the last ACON. He's raw but the only way for him to get better is to play. With Derry sitting beside him I did not have your nerves, just excitement whenever he gets the ball.
