Actually i think he was decent as left forward/winger. Just Spalletti was obsessed with Perisic even when the latter was in awful form and Keita didn't get so many chances.
Most of the people were whining about him when he played for us, now he is underrated and great, and better than Alexis, or whatever Jeeesus.
Imo he is mediocre and will stay as mediocre with some flashes of quality from time to time. Had one good season his entire career in Lazio back in 2016/2017 and that's it. Has been crap in France, hence they wanted to offload him ASAP. For us he started bad, got decent, then got injured, and went to shit again.
Would've been helpful at this Inter for that price (loan + option), but it's not like it's a big of a loss.
My point was simply:
- He is a true SS/forward and ideal situation for him is to be in a 2 CF setup.
- He has mediocre technique but strong and has good goal scoring instincts; but because of his speed and generally good 1v1 dribbling, he's been asked his whole career to be a winger and freelance it.
I just *think* his characteristics (speed, strength, scoring) are perfectly suited for conte's precise attacking pattern play (where he will not have to freelance) and 2 forward setup (where he will not have to play wide).
Sampdoria: Keita has COVID
Sampdoria announce Keita Balde Diao passed a medical for his move from Monaco, but tested positive for COVID-19.
The transfer was agreed several days ago, a loan for €1m with option to buy for another €12m at the end of the season.
He arrived in Genoa this morning for the medical, which highlighted something the clubs and player were not expecting.
“UC Sampdoria announce that AS Monaco authorised the player Keita Balde to travel for a medical, which showed no problems,” read a statement.
“During the course of the tests and COVID-19 protocol, the player was found to be lightly positive: we specify the player did not have any contact with the ‘match day group’ and is self-isolating.
“The sanitary procedures will be put into practice, as per protocol.”
Lightly positive means that although Keita does have COVID-19, he has a light viral load, so should be asymptomatic.