After a season plagued by injuries and international duty, Habib Diarra made a triumphant return to the Sunderland lineup, earning rave reviews for his dominant performance in their 3-0 victory over Burnley.
The 22-year-old midfielder’s impact was so significant that it caught the attention of major pundits and his own manager. Here’s a breakdown of his standout return:
Pundit Recognition
Diarra’s display on Monday night secured him a spot in the Premier League Team of the Week from two high-profile sources:
- Alan Shearer: The Newcastle legend praised Diarra for filling the void left by his absence at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), noting that he “showed what his club were missing.”
- Troy Deeney: Writing for BBC Sport, Deeney described Diarra as “exceptional,” crediting him for being the driving force that overwhelmed the Burnley defense.
Match Highlights
Making his first start since September, Diarra was involved in two of the three goals:
- The Opener: His powerful shot forced an early own goal from Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe.
- The Second Goal: He doubled the lead himself just after the 30-minute mark.
- Chemistry: He demonstrated an immediate tactical connection with striker Brian Brobbey, despite this being only his seventh appearance for the club.
A “New Signing” for Le Bris
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris likened Diarra’s return to acquiring a brand-new player. Le Bris highlighted several key traits that Diarra brings back to the squad:
- Competitiveness: A strong desire to press, win, and score.
- Energy: A vital physical presence necessary for the demands of the league.
- Leadership: Setting the tone for the team’s style of play.
With his injury and AFCON obligations now behind him, Diarra appears ready to finally kickstart his career on Wearside and justify the club’s early investment in him.
