Supersub of the victory against Sturm Graz (3-2), Hakon Haraldsson scored big points after his gradual return to competition. To the point of already claiming to regain its status as indisputable holder?
Hakon Haraldsson more determined than ever
The contrast was striking. A cannon shot full of personality and rage to offer victory to LOSC on Wednesday at around 8:25 p.m. then, a few minutes later, a player not very expansive and an apparent shyness in front of the microphones, in the mixed zone, to describe his goal and to talk about these two and a half months of absence which seemed like an eternity to him. “ From the outside, people may think he is shy and in his corner, confirms Bafodé Diakité, before continuing with a smile. But he's not shy, he's a good joker. In training, he gives his all and doesn't hold back. He had this difficult period which took him away from the field. Coming back, we all noticed that he had this desire to show that he was there. By scoring these two goals in the last two matches, he shows that he is ready and that the coach can trust him. »
It remains to be seen at what position the latter can install it. “ It's almost impossible to answer because I find him comfortable in almost all the positions in which he plays.watch Bruno Genesio. For a long time we believed that he was most comfortable on the left side, but we only had the right side, which wasn't bad either. He is comfortable playing behind the striker in a number 10 position. He was very comfortable before his injury in a slightly more backward position with Benji' (Benjamin André). It's a real asset to have these kinds of players in a group because others are capable of playing in different positions, but he is capable of performing in different positions. »
A multifaceted player
Exacerbated versatility thanks to diverse and varied qualities. “ Most people who know football feel that it has that touch and it feels like football. It just needs to be in the right conditions for it to fully exploit its potential. », analyzes Bafodé Diakité, before Bruno Genesio goes deeper: “ He is a player who is first of all very intelligent, which is very important in today's footballwho has above average technical ability in his sequences, in his passes. And who has, at the same time, a large volume of play and an ability to bring vertical races. Even if he is not the fastest player on the squad, he is capable of repeating runs at very high intensity, particularly behind defenses and vertically. It's an asset for us ».
So many strong qualities for someone who nevertheless had a very slow integration. After a sensational summer preparation for 2023, the Icelander experienced a serious setback, to the point of punctually leaving Paulo Fonseca's plans, before gradually gaining momentum from the winter of 2024. We are not all the same when it comes to the adaptation periodtempers Bafodé Diaktié. There are some for whom it is done very quickly, others where it takes more time. He passed this moment and today he feels good. We are happy because he performs individually and helps us collectively. »
Words which perfectly echo those equally laudatory of Thomas Meunier, also under the spell of the man who had established himself as one of the basic men at the start of Bruno Genesio's adventure. And who could very soon regain his status if he continues his momentum.
Source: LOSC
Photo credits: Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport
