Essential at the heart of the LOSC defense, Bafodé Diakité continues his progress under the leadership of Bruno Genesio with whom he works in particular on his leadership.
Often confined to the right side, even though he was predestined for a career in central defense, Bafodé Diakité (23 years old) was able to count on the arrival of Bruno Genesio to settle in this position. He is also gaining ground under his orders, rising to third in the hierarchy of captains at LOSC. This is an important change for a player who could not imagine taking on such a role just a few months ago. He is still trying to progress in this area of leadership today.
“I think I evolved in my leadership, I tried to take a step forward. I was more in my own corner, in the discovery the first year. But I think I gained more thickness. I have also evolved in terms of my football. Compared to the different staff who have passed, I have been able to evolve.
Last year it was more about positioning and how to handle the ball under pressure. This year, it's more about leadership. The coach gave me this role of captain, precisely to be able to help the team go in the right direction. I still continue to work on it, because we can still do it and also because I have feedback that tells me that I can do even better. I'm still trying to work and I hope that everyone, the team and the staff, will try to help me go in this direction.”confided Bafodé Diakité at a press conference this Friday, the day before the shock in Marseille.
His name emerges in the media
Far from being in the spotlight despite the evolution of his status, Bafodé Diakité can still count on growing popularity: “I really like the central hinge of Lille with Bafodé Diakité and… Alexsandro. She is very solid”confided Daniel Riolo this Wednesday, following LOSC's victory over SK Sturm Graz (3-2). Better yet, he is seen as the future of the France team by certain observers: “I think that Bafodé Diakité will discover the Blues this season, which means that he will have a big season in Lille”said Najim Medini, journalist at
Canal+during the summer.
