Assane Diao has been hailed as the embodiment of Como’s ambitious recruitment strategy, according to the club’s sporting director Carlalberto Ludi.
Despite being sidelined with an injury that could prematurely end his season, Diao has already left a significant mark in his first half-campaign in Serie A.
In just fifteen appearances, the Senegalese forward registered eight goals and one assist, establishing himself as a vital force in Como’s attack.
Speaking to Radio Anch’io Sport on Rai Radio 1, Ludi detailed how Diao’s arrival reflected the club’s collective approach to player scouting and recruitment.
“He (Diao) is the symbol of our collective work. Our recruitment is based on data, then filtered by scouts, and we submit them to Fabregas and me.
Then we choose together,” Ludi explained.
Diao’s emergence is even more remarkable considering his limited playing time prior to his move.
“Diao is one of the most talked about players in recent times for his performances, but in Spain he has played little despite having great potential,” Ludi said. “When we chose him, Fabregas was bold in choosing him as a key player, and the operation proved very successful. It wasn’t so obvious in January.”
The decision to bring Diao to Italy is now seen as a masterstroke by Como’s management.
His powerful performances on the pitch quickly silenced any doubts about his readiness for the rigours of Serie A.
Even with his injury setback, Diao’s impact has been substantial enough to make him a cornerstone of Como’s sporting project.
While the club has yet to release official details regarding the extent of Diao’s injury or the timeline for his recovery, the sense of pride in his achievements so far is clear.
His story stands as a testament to Como’s commitment to identifying and nurturing overlooked talent through a meticulous and modern scouting process.
For now, Como must adapt in his absence, but Assane Diao’s influence on and off the pitch appears set to endure, offering a shining example of the club’s forward-thinking strategy.
