Mo Diame may appear to have been off his game over the first few months of the season, but it has been revealed that only TWO Premier League players have made more tackles than the NUFC midfielder this season.
Not only that, only EIGHT Premier League players have covered more distance on the pitch in the league this season – with him covering over 130 kilometres in our 12 games so far; meaning an impressive average of around 11km per match.
Here’s the top 10 tacklers in the league so far this season – with big Mo placed in third:
- 57 – Idrissa Gueye
- 45 – Aaron Wan-Bissaka
- 42 – Mo Diame
- 40 – Joao Moutinho.
- 39 – Ricardo Pereira
- 36 – Luka Milivojevic & Wilfred Ndidi
- 35 – Philip Billing
- 34 – Etienne Capoue
- 33 – Felipe Anderson.
Don’t get me wrong, he’s got areas he must improve, with him often being a little laboured or clumsy in possession, but this does at least prove that he is playing some part in our team.
Many have called for Rafa to go with Shelvey and Ki away to Burnley a week on Monday, but I suspect Benitez would be wary of just how they work defensively – with Diame’s tackling and running stats showing what a good job he does off the ball.
I was very critical of Mo first half of last season (rightly so I think), but I was retract that in the second half. Actually a lot of credit was given to Dubravka and Kenedy – but I think Diame was a big reason behind our successful season ending.
I have to be honest, I don’t understand the stick he’s been getting this season. I think he’s in his best position now and he’s not going to create or score a lot of goals, but he will support the defence and break things up in midfield. He’s a good player and doing just fine.
Sharpy17(Quote)
He is a big body that runs around a lot. Will he score? Will he set up a chance? If he breaks up a play, does his follow-up result in NUFC holding possession? He is likely better than his alternative, but that is not saying much…..
William J Powers(Quote)