Afcon 2021: Senegal’s Nampalys Mendy making up for lost time

Senegal have rarely been short of quality midfield options, from Salif Diao to Papa Bouba Diop, from Idrissa Gueye to Chiekhou Kouyate.

Admittedly, they may not be blessed with an abundance of creativity or offensive nous, but as far as defensive-minded destroyers or spoilers go, few of the continent’s sides can match Senegal’s consistent production line.

At the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, midfield has—predictably—been a source of strength and weakness for the Teranga Lions.

The trio of Gueye, Kouyate and Nampalys Mendy of Leicester City isn’t going to create too many quality openings—this was evident as Senegal failed to score a single goal from open play during the course of their group-stage campaign—but they will certainly prevent opponents from settling, taking the initiative in midfield, or of imposing considerable pressure on the West Africans.

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Head coach Aliou Cisse may have been unhappy about some of the gaps left between the lines during the first half of Senegal’s semi-final victory over Burkina Faso, but after a few firm words from the coach during the interval, the Teranga Lions were largely imperious after the break.

With Senegal’s forwards now getting openings and opportunities—and putting them away—during a more open knockout stage (matches being played in the evening certainly helps), their rugged midfield is proving crucial in giving the Lions’ attackers a platform upon which they can play.

While Gueye and Kouyate have tasted Nations Cup disappointment before, this is Mendy’s first tournament with the national side.

Despite being 29, he only made his international debut last year, having previously represented France at youth level from U-18 to U-21.

He’s finally getting