Rassoul Ndiaye ready to learn from Patrick Vieira on Senegal return

Rassoul Ndiaye says Senegal’s players must quickly understand Patrick Vieira’s plans after returning to the national squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Havre AC midfielder has been recalled after a lengthy absence from international football. Ndiaye made his Senegal debut under Aliou Cisse but had not been selected since, making his return a particularly welcome one.

He says he has settled back into the squad and is encouraged by the atmosphere ahead of Senegal’s opening qualifying fixture.

“Everyone is in a good state of mind,” Ndiaye told FSF TV. “There are new faces alongside the players who have returned, so we will have to build that connection very quickly.

“The coach introduced himself and we all know him. Now, we will have to listen carefully to what he wants and what he wants to do with this team.”

Ndiaye is also looking forward to working with Vieira, who has replaced Cisse as Senegal’s head coach. The former France and Arsenal midfielder’s experience in Ndiaye’s position could prove especially valuable to the 25-year-old.

“The coach was one of the first players to play that box-to-box role, so there is a lot we can learn from him,” Ndiaye said. “He can help the midfielders, but also help the whole team to improve.

“I am a midfielder who likes to operate in both areas, defending and attacking. That is what I do at club level and I hope I can contribute in that way to this team.”

Senegal are in Maputo preparing for their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. The Lions of Teranga will face Mozambique on Friday 25 September.