Diouf plays as a full-back with France: even with the Nerazzurri, it's not my role

Andy Diouf started the match against Belgium, staying on the field for the full ninety minutes. It was an unusual role for the Inter midfielder, who was deployed by Zidane as a left-back. At the end of the match, the Nerazzurri player commented on the choice made by the French coach.

Speaking to L’Equipe, Diouf explained: “Yes, it was my first time as a full-back, and it’s true that I didn’t have all the reference points in that role. But Zidane prepared the match with me in the best way and gave me some advice. And then I play with quality players and that also helps a lot.”

The young midfielder then revealed the instructions he received from the coach: “What did he ask of me? To take part in the play, to take the initiative and to play wide and cover the whole pitch, and then also to move inside and make combinations.”

The 2005-born player drew a parallel with his experience at Inter: “Even at Inter I play in a position that isn’t necessarily mine, but as I always say, the most important thing right now is to be on the pitch and help the team.” Diouf then added: “I enjoy it more when I play in my position but I also enjoy playing on the left.”