Moussa Niakhaté
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Busy in loss to Norway
Niakhate generated two crosses (zero accurate) and two tackles in Monday's 3-2 loss versus Norway.
Analysis: Niakhate added 10 duels won and five clearances to his unusual production of crosses during Monday's match. The defender also excelled in one-on-one action, winning 10 of his 11 individual duels. Those numbers make him the most outstanding member of his team's back four and should help him stay in the lineup in the final group-stage game versus Iraq. He'll look to have less defensive work in that contest, though Senegal still haven't looked solid enough to be relied on for clean-sheet chances.
Set to anchor backline
Niakhate has been named in Senegal's World Cup squad and is expected to start at center-back under coach Pape Thiaw, arriving at the tournament after one of the strongest seasons of his career with Olympique Lyonnais in Ligue 1.
Analysis: Niakhate contributed two assists while posting an impressive 36 tackles, 29 interceptions and 184 clearances across 32 Ligue 1 appearances this season, underlining his status as one of the most reliable and physically dominant center-backs in French football. His aerial dominance, reading of the game and ability to make the decisive interventions needed to protect the goal make him the cornerstone of Senegal's defensive unit, and his consistent output throughout a demanding league season gives him the confidence and form needed to perform at the highest level this summer. For Senegal, Niakhate provides the defensive backbone and organizational authority needed to keep clean sheets against the tournament's most dangerous attacking units, and his partnership at center-back will be one of the key factors in determining how far the Lions can progress in the competition.
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