There’s certainly something familiar about Moussa Diaby.
A lethal left-winger whose explosion of acceleration leaves full-backs dazed and dazzled, it’s impossible not to be reminded of a young Sadio Mane when watching Leverkusen’s number 19 in full flow.
And there’s a sense of irony in the fact that, while Arsenal laboured to a tad fortunate 2-1 win at Rapid Vienna in Thursday’s Europa League opener, their £25 million summer target was ripping one of France’s finest sides to shreds on that very same evening.
Few expected a Leverkusen side shorn of Kai Havertz and Kevin Volland to tear through Nice’s usually well-drilled defence with such pace and precision.
But, thanks to another star showing from Diaby, Peter Bosz’s side recorded a confidence-boosting 6-2 win, with three valuable Europa League points under their belts.
Following a well-taken goal with a razor-sharp assist, it was the sort of performance that will have Paris Saint-Germain supporters wondering whether Diaby is another ‘one that got away’.
The new Kingsley Coman, perhaps?
“Moussa is very quick, able to learn and assert himself,” Tuchel said before selling the Paris-born 21-year-old to Leverkusen last year.
Le10 Sport reported Dortmund and Arsenal were both lining up £25 million bids for Diaby during the summer.
More dazzling performances like this and France’s latest wing wizard could be joining Havertz under the bright lights of London sooner rather than later.
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