MN: Amorim enjoys added resource as Diawara passes most difficult test yet

AC Milan’s defensive performance was largely solid against a prolific Inter attack, and Sankhoun Diawara played his part.

As MilanNews write, Diawara has gone from a semi-unknown prospect to a potentially key asset in the space of a few weeks. After his strong performance against Udinese and his more difficult performance against Bologna, there was some surprise when he was named as a starter vs. Inter.

Yet, he passed a decidedly more difficult test than anything he has had in his young career to date. It wasn’t a perfect performance, which is inevitable considering his age and inexperience, but it showed the Frenchman can truly become more than just an emergency solution.

Diawara’s derby numbers

The data speaks volumes about the young French defender’s night. Diawara completed all 15 of his attempted passes, finishing with 100% accuracy, even producing a key pass, according to data provided by Wyscout.

In total, the former Troyes player had 31 touches and five defensive contributions, despite being tested by Spence’s pace. Yet, despite this, Diawara didn’t shy away from physical confrontations: he won three out of five ground duels and three out of five aerial duels, with two tackles completed.

At the Bluenergy Stadium against Udinese, the 20-year-old finished with even more encouraging numbers in his first Milan start playing on the left of a back four: 82 touches and an 86% pass completion rate.

In the derby, Diawara demonstrated his ability to play left wing-back, a somewhat unusual role because he has not always been known for his ability to push forward given that he is a more natural centre-back.

Diawara doesn’t have to be an undisputed starter for this Milan side to be a surprise package, but if he can maintain this reliability, he could truly become a valuable asset in extending the rotation possibilities of Ruben Amorim’s side.