Norwich City manager Liam Manning has expressed his enthusiasm after witnessing a stellar debut from Papa Amadou Diallo during the Canaries' 2-1 triumph over Watford in the Carabao Cup. The 21-year-old winger, who joined from Metz for £4.3 million this summer, made a significant impression by providing two assists, delighting the 1,700 travelling supporters at Vicarage Road. Read more about Hills Set for Stockport Move as Norwich Cash In.
Manning was quick to commend Diallo's contributions, highlighting not only his offensive prowess but also his commitment to defensive duties, which included a vital recovery tackle that showcased his versatility. "He had a really good impact," Manning stated. "He should be pleased with his performance. He naturally puts people on the back foot, the way he carries, the way he moves with the ball." Read more about Topic Shines as Norwich City Target Revival Under Manning.
The Norwich manager underscored Diallo's distinctive playing style, admitting that his laid-back approach makes him particularly challenging for defenders. “He produces some really high level moments and I told him that at half-time, not that I’m sure he understood me to be honest!" Manning added, indicating a playful rapport with his new player.
Manning also stressed that Diallo's success is intrinsically linked to the collective performance of the team. "As good as Papa was, you look at the backline and the two 'sixes', they got really good control to be able to do it," he noted. "We showed some real good quality to build and actually feed him with real quality."
The manager remains optimistic about Diallo's potential and emphasised that realising it will be a team effort. "We brought him here because of what he’s good at, and our job is to make sure that we keep getting him in positions like we did to do that," Manning said. "He’s a really exciting talent and we have to be aware of what his journey might look like."
As Norwich City aim to build on this promising start, Manning's focus is on transforming Diallo's evident potential into consistent high-level performances. "It's how do we turn that potential into really high level, consistent performances? We have to keep pushing him there," he concluded.
Diallo's debut appears to be merely the start of what could develop into an exciting chapter for both the player and the club.