As Como splashed the cash to aid their survival, Cesc Fábregas stumbled across a star who has set the Serie A alight.
Assane Diao braved a move from Real Betis for northern Italy, arriving at the Stadio Comunale for a £12 million fee. The 19-year-old holds great promise for the future, and his instantaneous impact has inspired Como’s good form of late, pushing them seven points adrift of relegation.
Como looked for attacking solutions to help sharpen their attack who had been blunt in and around the penalty area. The winger has already proven to be a sensible signing by the league's newcomers who have climbed up to thirteenth in the league standings.
Diao is beckoning attention from Europe’s elite as the Spaniard continues to put his name in the headlines. Most recently, he stole the limelight as he piled misery on Napoli who had their title hopes damaged.
Playstyle
Fabregas’ ideology includes inverted wingers who attack the half-spaces; these underlapping runs are integral in creating shooting opportunities for the forwards.
Diao’s quick turn of pace and his enterprising runs help fit the required demands seamlessly. But it is his presence in front of goal that has had his name on many Italian's lips.
In front of goal, Diao has proven to be a clinical finisher, netting five goals in seven Serie A appearances. During Diao’s time in LaLiga, the youngster was above average in xG obtained and goals scored, evidencing his desire to drift inwards and shoot.
All of the wingers goals for Como have been inside the box, coming from both feet and his head which shows how complete of an attacker Diao is.
Two of the five goals have come from quick breaks. Como have an array of speed on the counter with Gabriel Streffeza and Diao on either wing.
What makes Diao feared by many defenders is his ability to pull the trigger with both feet. This keeps the attacker unpredictable, allowing for overlaps or for Diao to cut inside.
His ability with either foot makes him versatile as he can operate on either flank. He usually plays on the right wing but Diao has scored twice having been deployed on the left.
On the ball, Como’s new star wins continuous fouls, drawing 22 in just eight matches in Italy. Diao's quick feet and explosive movements force defenders to act illegally.
Diao has no problems matching defenders for strength or physicality, something that wingers often lack.
The winger likes to stay wide and plays quick one-twos with the midfielders to bounce off the opposing wing back and run into the space behind.
Diao links up with creative players such as Nico Paz to help penetrate the opposition defences. With the wingers speed, he often breaches high-lines and he makes darting infield runs, losing his marker in doing so.
Off the ball, Diao is a willing runner, always participating in the press. His aggression and tall build, helps him shrug defenders off the ball and inspire an attack.
Diao has a 68% success rate in tackles so far with Como, showing his willingness to defend for the team and break up opposition play.
Where can he improve?
Some critics are quick to jump on Diao’s enterprising runs, suggesting he holds the ball for too long. Sometimes being too slow to release the ball stalls the counter attacks that have been integral for Como.
Diao averaged just one cross per 90 minutes in Spain, and is yet to record an assist in Italy. If Diao is to improve the frequency of crosses, Patrick Cutrone would not mind.
His direct profile is better suited when Como operate a mid-block rather than when they continually keep control of the ball. His lack of vision is something that Fabregas will be keen to adhere too.
Diao’s ability and knowhow in the box will help to be a constant source of goals for Como. The winger left Betis to the reluctance of the fans, who knew just how promising the Spaniard can be.
It would be no surprise if Diao is a renowned star in years to come.