Just need Paul Pogba or N'Golo Kante in the squad is very special. Over here, rookie Premier League, Sunderland, with “both Pogba and Kante” will be very worthy.
However, it was just the way the world would be like a rookie of a black cat. Because in fact, Pogba has just joined Monaco, and Kante is wearing Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. While this is how people talk about Habib Diarra, the new contract is noticeable with the mixing style of both French midfielders.
Diarra was also honed by Patrick Vieira in the 2023/24 season. The 21 -year -old midfielder Senegal promises to be a new discovery of the Premier League in the 2025/26 season. And, through the lens of French football expert James Eastham, the grave can somewhat imagine the journey of the Senegal player from France to the Stadium of Light of England.
When NHM Strasbourg posted thanks and the most respectable memories after Diarra moved to Sunderland in early July, some phrases appeared many times. He “has devoted himself”, “100%dedicated”, “never giving up”.
If you are wondering why this 21 -year -old boy became a hero in the NHM in the largest city of Alsace, then look at the “best” qualities that the Sunderland fans are about to be witnessed.
“When receiving the ball, Diarra's first thought was to rush forward and create opportunities on the opponent's yard.
Diarra claimed to be a “versatile midfielder”. Like many other players, everything he does towards the interests of the team. Born in Guediawaye (Senegal), about 10 km from Dakar, Diarra moved to France at the age of 5.
Diarra grew up in Mulhouse, the second largest city of the Alsace region, moving from Mulhouse Academy to Strasbourg to join the club's U15 team. In the young training system, he often carries the captain's armband. He debuted Ligue 1 in October 2021 at the age of 17. Strasbourg's coach was Julian Stephan, currently leading QPR in the UK first. Diarra has learned a lot from Stephan.
Under Patrick Vieira in the 2023/24 season, Diarra was further forged about the defensive and attack skills of a central midfielder. A year later, he emphasized that he was “truly free” on the pitch under Liam Rosenior. Diarra turned the area between the yard into its own “territory” with an endless source of energy and the innate leadership quality.
Thanks to Diarra, Strasbourg ended in seventh place in Ligue 1, gaining a capacity to attend the UEFA Conference League. In particular, just a few weeks after taking power in Strasbourg, Rosenior appointed Diary to become the youngest captain ever in the history of the club when it was only 20 years old.
Diarra has worn U16, U18, U19 and U21 teams. In U21 France, he is a teammate of the stars playing in England such as Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Leny Yoro (MU), Rayan Cherki (Man City) and Mathys Tel C (Tottenham). However, in March 2024, he refused to play the opportunity to play in the French Olympic Games at the Paris Olympics and instead, he chose to protect the color of Senegal's shirt.
His father, Samba, 2 caps with Senegal Tel. For Diarra, it is completely natural to follow the same path. “My heart has spoken. I really like to play for the youth teams and French U21, and have learned a lot from that, but I think wearing Senegal Tel is a reasonable choice for me.
I will progress faster when I was playing with experienced players like Idrissa Gueye, one of my models in this position, along with Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante and Tanguy Ndombele, “Diarra shared.
Since wearing Teranga Lion, Diarra has created a significant influence. During the 10 appearances, he scored 4 goals, becoming a key player to help this team aim to win the right to attend the 2026 World Cup. In the friendly match last month, Diarra scored the second goal for Senegal when they defeated England 3-1 in the witness of 26,322 audiences at City Ground (Nottingham).
Now, the opportunity for Diarra to impress in the Premier League every week has come. He is one of the few Senegal players who are shining at the British grass fields, along with Pape Sarr (Tottenham), Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) and Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea).
It was too early to say exactly how Sunderland would use Diarra, but a player of both Pogba and Kante appeared next to Enzo Le Fee – a deep reversing midfielder – would be extremely interesting. The Sunderland fans hope he will fill the gap on the black cat midfielder after Jobe Bellingham joined Dortmund.
