Mali U17 coach Soumaila Coulibaly has likened Barcelona new signing Ibrahim Diarra to Brazil great Rivaldo.
The Spanish giants recently secured the signing of the talented player from Africa Foot Academy and is expected to continue his development at the club.
Coulibaly believes the 18-year-old has similar attributes to that of Rivaldo, who also featured for Barcelona during his playing days, saying he is the greatest talent in Mali at the moment.
“He has one of the most classic profile of a Barcelona footballer that I have seen in a long time. Left-footed, powerful, with good one-on-one and moves very well between the lines, between the defence, to break the game when the opponent is compact and crouched at the back.
“A situation that Barcelona often encounters.
“He reminds me of Rivaldo or Lamine Yamal, as they are also left-footers with similar characteristics. But he must make his way, of course. For me he is the greatest talent in Mali right now, without a doubt.”
