Liverpool supporters had a great evening of World Cup action to savour on Saturday night, with Yan Diomande arguably the biggest attraction as his Ivory Coast team took on Germany.
The Reds have been trying to sign Diomande, seeing a €100m bid rejected by RB Leipzig earlier this week.
Saturday was the first chance to see the 19-year-old in action since that offer was tabled, with Florian Wirtz’s presence in the Germany XI even more reason for fans to tune in.
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All eyes were on Diomande, though, and after he surprisingly lined up on the left of the Ivory Coast, ITV pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright raved about his first-half performance in Ontario.
Diomande does well from the left
After Liverpool‘s massive bid just two days earlier, Diomande was always going to be subject to massive attention during Saturday’s match.
Initially, the youngster struggled to make his mark on the match, showing several heavy touches during the early part of proceedings.
Diomande soon improved, though, playing a huge part in Frank Kessie’s opening goal, beating Joshua Kimmich and firing across an inviting ball, which eventually found its way to his captain, who prodded home.
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There was more to enjoy besides, with Neville in particular gushing over Diomande during the half-time break.
“Diomande on this left hand side has been absolutely brilliant,” he said. “He’s [Kimmich] one of the best right-backs in the world, but he’s going against a 19 year old kid. They’ve had 56 per cent of the attacks down that side. I’ve been there as an ageing right-back and it’s not pleasant.
“Even when they double or triple up it’s not enough to contain him, he’s too good,” Neville added. “They can’t keep leaving this guy one on one.”
Wright was equally pleased with Diomande’s display, insisting that the Liverpool target had ‘lived up to the hype’ of his pre-match build-up.
“He’s lived up to the hype,” the pundit insisted. “His pressing is brilliant, his taking on is brilliant, his pace is scary.”
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Daniel Sturridge weighs in on Diomande
Neville and Wright were not the only ones impressed by Diomande against Germany, former Liverpool player Daniel Sturridge also liked what he saw from the teenager.
Sturridge was pleased with the display of Alexander Isak against Netherlands earlier in the evening, and took to X again to show his support for Diomande as well.
“Diomande is causing all kinds of trouble,” said the former striker. “Africa always produce amazing attackers and he’s next up. Love his game.”
Although Diomande did grow quieter as the game wore on, he still showed real glimpses of the quality which has convinced Liverpool to go big on signing him this summer.
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