Amad Diallo’s performances for Manchester United has raised concerns ahead of Ivory Coast’s upcoming World Cup preparations in March’s international window.
The winger, who netted three times and provided one assists in five matches during the December-January Africa Cup of Nations, has not been able to replicate that form for club level.
Amad is now on a run of nine consecutive matches without scoring or providing an assist, which marks the longest such drought of his professional career.
The form has been alarming for Ivory Coast who see him as an integral player in the squad.
Earlier in the season at Manchester United, the Ivorian winger had shown encouraging signs of development, especially with his link-up play alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Their understanding had given Manchester United another attacking dimension, but that chemistry has faded in recent weeks as Amad’s productivity in front of goal has stalled.
But it has been difficult to translate his performances into numbers.
The current slump has therefore become a talking point, particularly with important international fixtures on the horizon.
Ivory Coast will soon resume preparations for the upcoming global tournament, beginning with friendly matches in March.
The Elephants will face South Korea football team on March 28 before taking on Scotland national team three days later.
These matches will serve as part of the team’s build-up to the FIFA World Cup scheduled to kick off in June.
Ivory Coast have been placed in Group E alongside Germany national football team, Ecuador national football team, and Curaçao national football team.
With such strong opposition awaiting them, Amad’s return to form could be important for the Elephants.
As one of the team’s most creative forces, the winger will be expected to rediscover the form that made him one of the best performers at the continental tournament before their quarter-final exit.
