Senegal XI to play Netherlands - Diallo, Sarr start in the World Cup - World Cup Update 


Senegal XI to play Netherlands - Diallo, Sarr start in the World Cup - World Cup Update



         Senegal XI to play Netherlands - Diallo, Sarr start in the World Cup - World Cup Update

The Lions of Teranga have named their team to play their Dutch opponents on Monday.

Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal have named their starting team for their World Cup game against the Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium.

The Lions of Teranga are missing the services of their influential attacker Sadio Mane who was injured while turning out for Bayern Munich.

Aliou Cisse hopes the team can perform better after a disappointing outing in 2018 where they were eliminated in the group stage.

Here is how they are lining up:

  • Goalkeeper: Edouard Mendy

    The Chelsea keeper has kept his place in the starting 11 against the Dutch. It is his 26th cap for the national team.

  • DF_Youssouf Sabaly(C)Getty Images

    Right-back: Youssouf Sabaly

    With preferred starter Bouna Sarr out owing to injury, Sabaly has taken his place.

    • Kalidou Koulibaly Senegal 2022.Backpagepix.

      Centre-back: Kalidou Koulibaly

      The captain and de facto leader, Koulibaliy will be key to organising the back four while keeping the Dutch forwards quiet.

    • Pape Abou Cisse OlympiacosGetty

      Centre-back: Pape Abou Cisse

      With no news on the doubtful Abdou Diallo, Saint Etienne man Pape Abou Cisse has gotten the nod alongside Koulibaly and wins his 14th cap.

      • DF_Abdou Diallo(C)Getty Images

        Left-back: Abdou Diallo

        Aliou Cisse has opted to go with Diallo who plays for RB Leipzig. Having played five Bundesliga matches and as many Uefa Champions League matches is a plus for the Senegalese side.

      • Idrissa Gueye Everton 2022-23Getty

        Central midfielder: Idrissa Gueye

        The Everton man brings calmness in midfield, something that will be needed in plenty especially if the Afcon champions find themselves on the back foot.

        • Senegal's midfielder Cheikhou KouyateGetty Images

          Central midfielder: Cheikhou Kouyate

          The 32-year-old Nottingham Forest player will be an asset for Senegal when defending and attacking set pieces due to his height and given he can also play in defence, the Teranga Lions’ back four will have an extra man to rely on especially when one of them gets into an advanced position.

        • MF_Nampalys Mendy(C)Getty Images

          Attacking midfielder: Nampalys Mendy

          Senegal have done well without a traditional No.10 but Leicester City midfielder Mendy will be the link between defence and attack.

          • FW_Ismaila Sarr(C)Getty Images

            Left wing: Ismaila Sarr

            The man with big shoes to fill, Watford winger Sarr has been tasked with taking the responsibilities of Sadio Mane but the 24-year-old is not new to the grand stage so he should do just fine.

          • Boulaye Dia of Senegal Afcon 2021.Backpagepix.

            Striker: Boulaye Dia

            On loan at Salernitana from Villarreal, the 26-year-old forward has done well for the Serie A strugglers, scoring six goals in 14 games in 2022-23 and it explains why he has started.

            • Krepin Diatta - SenegalGetty

              Right wing: Krepin Diatta

              Diatta has also been used as a striker although his goal return is not good as he just has two for his country but with Senegal short upfront, the Monaco forward has occupied the right wing.