Senegal midfielder Alassane Diatta targets Villarreal breakthrough after impressive pre-season

Senegalese midfielder Alassane Diatta says he is determined to establish himself in Villarreal’s first team after an encouraging start to pre-season, with compatriot Pape Gueye playing a key role in his development.

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of Villarreal’s standout performers during preparations for the new campaign, increasing his chances of earning a regular place under head coach Iñigo Pérez.

With the Spanish club not expected to make significant additions in midfield during the current transfer window, Diatta has taken advantage of the opportunities presented to him.

He started three of Villarreal’s opening four pre-season matches and delivered a series of impressive displays, even though fellow Senegalese player Cheikh Thiam attracted attention in the club’s 3-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven.

Diatta believes the environment at Villarreal has been crucial to his progress and says the support of experienced teammates has helped him grow both on and off the pitch.

“I’m very happy to be here, very excited about this preseason, and very eager to start the season. Actually, things are easy because I’m well supported, especially by players like Pape (Gueye) and Nico (Pepé); they’ve helped me progress a lot, both in training and in other areas. The atmosphere is very family-oriented, and I feel that the club wants to help me grow,” he told Villarreal’s media channels.

Born in Diouloulou, a town known for producing talented footballers, including Lamine Camara, Diatta believes Villarreal offers the ideal platform to continue his development.

The midfielder has already accumulated valuable experience with the club’s reserve side, making 60 appearances over the past two seasons.

Now, his focus is firmly on earning a place in the senior squad.

“I am very proud and delighted to be able to continue learning within this club. I am really looking forward to the season starting. I consider this place an ideal environment to develop and continue to learn a lot,” he said.

Diatta also explained that he studies the experienced players around him in a bid to improve every aspect of his game.

“I observe a lot of things from them to continue improving. My goal is to keep growing within the club. I want to seize every opportunity to help the team,” he added.

The Senegalese youngster also praised Villarreal head coach Iñigo Pérez for the confidence shown in him since arriving in the senior setup.

“I get along very well with the coach. From the very first moment, he instilled confidence in me. He has a very clear idea of the game and we work very well with him. As a young player, I will continue to progress as much as possible under his guidance.”

With pre-season nearing its conclusion, Diatta appears determined to build on his recent performances and establish himself as an important member of Villarreal’s first-team squad during the upcoming campaign.