After coming off a herniated disc injury that kept him sidelined for a couple of months, Abdou Diallo is ready to make an impact on the Paris Saint-Germain squad. The capital club defender spoke with Europa 1 Sport on many topics, including his stay with Les Parisiens.
The 24-year-old is currently fighting for playing time on the PSG squad as the third center-back on the depth chart. With players such as Marquinhos, Presnel Kimpembe, Thilo Kehrer, and even Danilo Pereira seeing time at the central defense position, Diallo understands that he could get lost in the shuffle.
Along with finding a place on the PSG squad, Diallo has aspirations to play international football. Never summoned to the French national team, the French-Senegalese assures that he is, for the first time, open to a call with the Leones de Téranga the defender said.
“Playing for a national team, it always represents something, I who am Franco-Senegalese,” Diallo said. “I know this will be a consequence of my performances at the club. I take things step by step, I focus on doing the best I can at the club, and the rest will follow, and I would welcome it with great pleasure.”
Recently Diallo has played eight games and start five of those. The 24-year-old spoke about his form and progress in matches.
“I’m coming back from injury. I can’t snap my fingers and become a starter overnight. It’s normal. I accept it. But besides that, I work hard in training. I prove every day that the coach can trust me and can count on me,” Diallo said.
When speaking about his trajectory when it comes to his career, Diallo referred to the late surge that Virgil Van Dijk saw in his late 20’s that lead to his eventual move to Liverpool FC and is the anchor to their backline.
“I know it will come sooner or later. I don’t have to worry about that. There are a lot of defenders who have become world tops after 25 years, like Virgil Van Dijk,” Diallo said.
Want more PSG? Visit the PSG Talk Podcast Network page and subscribe to PSG Talking, The 1970, and 24th & Parc.
