True to himself! In an interview given to Canal+ Sport AfricaEl Hadji Diouf, double African Ballon d'Or and legend of Senegalese football, has once again captivated attention with his frank statements.
Guest of the show The Big Mouthsthe former striker of Liverpool shared his point of view on several themes, notably the comparison between Neymar and Mbappé, while taking an introspective look at his own career compared to that of a certain Samuel Eto'o…
Mbappé or Neymar? A clear choice!
First questioned about the Neymar-Mbappé debate, Diouf displayed a clear preference for the French :
“Neymar is more talented than Mbappé, but not better. What Kylian achieved today is above. He won the World Cup, he is decisive in big moments, and he wins titles. In my team, I take Mbappé because he can provide me with a lot of services. Neymar, I would call him for a gala match. »
A distinction between raw talent and impact in major competitions which shows the lucidity of the enfant terrible of Senegalese football. Before turning to his case…
Diouf vs Eto'o: the daring parallel
At the turn of this discussion, the journalist Nabil Djellit then took the pole, and attempted a comparison between Neymar and El Hadji Diouf, suggesting that the career of the native of Saint-Louis, characterized by flashes of genius and chronic inconstancy, was closer to that of the Brazilian than the French. Faithful to his direct style and never lacking in solid self-confidence, the Senegalese then retorted by comparing his career to that of another illustrious African player of his time, Samuel Eto'o:
-« Maybe I'm more talented than Samuel Eto'o “, he first said. A bold statement, true to the character, which reflects the esteem that Diouf has, and has always held, for his own talent.
Before, however, recognizing the superiority of the Cameroonian at the high level: “ but he had a better career than me. In life, you have to tell yourself the truth. » Statements that make you react!
Recognized talent, contrasting career
Because if El Hadji Diouf remains an unforgettable player for African football fans, in particular thanks to his key role in Senegal's historic epic during the World Cup 2002, his club career never reached the heights, unlike Eto'o. The latter, a four-time African Ballon d'Or winner, has won several Champions Leagues, national championships in Europe, and an African Cup of Nations.
Diouf, for his part, shone in flashes, but his time at Liverpool or Bolton did not leave as deep an imprint as that of Eto'o at Barça or Inter Milan. Factually, it is therefore difficult to contradict the second statement in good faith, the track record of the current president of Fecafoot commands admiration. As for the first, the double African Ballon d'Or (2001, 2002) is divisive. But that's nothing new…
