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'Amad Diallo Could Be In Contention For The Ballon d'Or In Five Years'

'Amad Diallo Could Be In Contention For The Ballon d'Or In Five Years'

Amad Diallo has only made a handful of first-team appearances for Manchester United but has been tipped for stardom.

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Amad Diallo could win the Ballon d'Or within five years.

That's the view of the man who helped secure him a move from Boca Barco to Atalanta in 2015.

The 18-year-old officially joined Manchester United for a fee of £37 million in January and after impressing for the club's Under 23's, has made four appearances off the bench in the first-team.

Image: PA
Image: PA

He opened his United account with a sublime backwards header against AC Milan in the Europa League round of 16 first leg at Old Trafford - now been fast-tracked into the Ivory Coast national team.

And although he's still got a fair bit of developing to do physically, Giovanni Galli, the man who organised his trial with Atalanta, reckons he has the ability to go right to the top in the coming years.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"Amad is unique," the former AC Milan and Italy goalkeeper told Goal.

"But he must make himself stronger. At the same time, he must make sure he does not lose his speed, which is a quality that distinguishes him from others.

"In short, I think he has all the qualities to be a candidate for the Ballon d'Or in the next five years.

"He is very young and has already made his debut in the Europa League just two months after arriving in England.

"I think next year he will have more chances to stand out in the first team.

"He is a very good player, but he has to remember that talent alone is not enough. He has to work hard and become a footballer who plays for and with the team."

Fellow United prospect Mason Greenwood called Diallo "a wonderful technical player" and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has high hopes for him.

"I'm very excited about bringing him in," Solskjaer said after Diallo joined up with his teammates following his work permit being sealed.

"I think he's shown a few times his qualities.

"Of course he has to learn to play in England, that's a different level of football. We'll give him time to develop and to express himself."

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Topics: Football News, Manchester United, Atalanta, Amad Diallo