When Amad Diallo joined Manchester United he was tipped to win the Ballon d’Or, four years on he’s showing exactly why.
Erik ten Hag may have wanted to sign Michael Olise this summer, but Amad Diallo’s emergence as a star meant that the interest was never formalised.
Amad impressed toward the back end of last season and now in pre-season, he has been Manchester United’s major standout performer which has left many excited.
The Ivory Coast international has scored two incredible goals during the tour, and he’s now lodged himself into a position where he has got Ten Hag raving about him.
After a slow start to live at Old Trafford, he’s making up for lost time, and could now reach levels that he was tipped to reach by his former academy coach.
What Galli has said about Amad Diallo
Former AC Milan and Italy goalkeeper Giovanni Galli is a huge fan of Amad and was introduced to him while working as the sporting director for Lucchese in Serie C.
Galli organised Amad his trial at Atalanta and well – the rest is history for the winger once nicknamed ‘Leo Messi’.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Goal back in 2021, the Italian made a bold prediction about Amad.
“In short, I think he has all the qualities to be a candidate for the Ballon d’Or in the next five years.
“Amad is unique, but he must make himself stronger. At the same time, he must make sure he does not lose his speed, which is a quality that distinguishes him from others.
“For Amad, it was his technique and speed that made him stand out.”
After his arrival, and for three years following this prediction looked completely wrong, but now Amad is slowly beginning to make us think Galli could be spot on.
Amad Diallo is finally making good on his world-class potential
Amad is still only 22, and judging him solely on his impact in games over the past four or five months, we would have to say he is showing his world-class potential – so if he can do it throughout next season, he could reach the levels projected.
In terms of pure ability, there probably isn’t a right-winger in the Premier League who is as good as Amad, it’s just whether he will be given a proper chance to show it, and also if he can prove it consistently.
There is a feeling that if Amad starts this season, he won’t ever relinquish his starting position, considering how brilliant he is showing himself to be lately.
He might not end up with a Ballon d’Or to his name, but he is showing he has everything needed to be considered one day – he just has to showcase it. A massive season could be on the cards.
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