It’s not only some of the world’s great footballers that attracts Juventus; Sporting Director Fabio Paratici continues to search for the best young talent and the latest name on the list is Toulouse central defender Issa Diop.

FOOTBALL IN THE BLOOD

Born in Toulouse on J9 January 1997, Issa is the grandson of former Bordeaux player Libasse Diop, who was the first Senegalese player to ever play in Ligue 1. Issa joined the youth academy at his hometown club at the age of nine and the future looks bright for the 19-year-old.
 

Rock solid with imposing strength, Diop is the prototype of the modern day central defender; incredibly fast off the mark with an ability to score goals as well as help keep them out. Comparisons have been made with Napoli start Kalidou Koulibaly but the youngster’s idol since childhood has been Valencia’s Aymen Abdennour.  

His first-team debut came last season in a struggling Toulouse team against Nice where he was by far the best player on show. He didn’t have to wait too long for his first senior goal either; scoring in the very next game against Troyes.
 

If any more proof of his outstanding talent was needed then Juventus executives got a first-hand look when he helped the French Under 19 squad destroy Italy 4-0 in the Final of the European Championships. Diop has a bright future ahead; that future could lie in Turin.


Original article by Emanuele Tramacere. Adapted and translated by Steve Mitchell