Formal or informal? It says a lot about the young Senegalese star that his elation at being promoted from Strasbourg’s Under-17s to the first team was accompanied by worry over the two distinct words for “you.”
Was it appropriate to address new, senior teammates by using “tu” be regarded as disrespectful? Ultimately, the young midfielder opted for caution and chose the more formal “vous”. Cue widespread amusement from the older players who instructed him not to be so ridiculous; he was part of the group now.
“After I had the first call with the coach, I reflected and said to my parents: ‘Sunderland’s where I want to be; that’s where I want to play.’ England's top flight was always a dream of mine and the coach presented me with a clear and interesting project.”
Almost five years later, Diarra is settled in an office at Sunderland’s Academy of Light explaining why he ignored overtures from, among others, several top European clubs. His natural politeness remains but it is clear that the 22-year-old Senegal international and doubt are virtual strangers. Diarra conducts himself with the confidence suited to a player who captained Strasbourg at the tender age of twenty and, only last month, returned from Morocco holding an AFCON winners’ medal.
A Defined Vision
Now that the groin issue that kept him out for much of the opening months of the league campaign resolved, Diarra is on a mission to demonstrate precisely why he agreed to become Sunderland’s most expensive acquisition last summer. Analysts in France and Senegal questioned Diarra’s unfashionable choice but he knew all about Régis Le Bris’s reputation as a talented youth coach.
“I haven’t been surprised by the coach’s ability because I already knew what he’s able to achieve,” says Diarra. “Playing against his teams I realised he was very good, very strong in terms of strategy. He’s someone I know is helping my game progress. And although our primary aim is reaching 40 points, European qualification is certainly a realistic target this season.”
A Family Atmosphere
Outside, the chilly February wind and driving rain makes Wearside look as bleak as it is often depicted. Internally, things are considerably warmer. The atmosphere is devoid of the type of tension notable at certain clubs where office workers are kept apart from first-team players. Diarra describes the environment as “very organic” and commends Le Bris’s role in its creation.
“Our manager repeatedly states to us that we’re like a family here and we all fight for each other,” he says. “Each of us takes pride of each other.”
Freedom Within a Framework
If the structure, rigor and sheer hard yards underpinning Sunderland’s defensive organization are a proof of the head coach’s meticulous eye for detail, Le Bris also likes his players to think for themselves. He offers his engine room players complete licence to improvise and swap roles.
“The coach sets his tactics out within a framework but we have license to play within it,” says Diarra, who favors playing as a all-action No 8. “During matches that feels good. That freedom is so important. Our captain, Granit, helps us a lot. He’s a massive influence and a superb role model.”
Path and Settlement
Diarra is speaking through a French interpreter but his English has advanced to the point where he can understand most questions. He is now concentrating on acquiring the language skills to also answer them, which would be his third tongue. He is proficient in Wolof, the language he spoke in his youth in Guédiawaye near Dakar.
His precocious maturity helped him combat the disappointment of needing an operation followed by four months on the sidelines last autumn. “Being injured so soon after arriving here was frustrating, for sure,” he says. “But it was up to me to manage myself.”
Diarra is now anticipating playing in this summer’s World Cup. Given Senegal have been drawn in the same group as France, a poignant reunion awaits the former Les Bleus under-21 midfielder. “I enjoyed representing for France but my heart spoke,” says Diarra. “I have no remorse. I was born in Senegal; it fills me with pride to play for them.”
Comparable feelings apply to Sunderland. “I’ve adapted very well,” he says. “I am really comfortable here.”
