Ivory Coast: In Bouaké, Yan Diomandé feels the weight of his €140 million transfer

Signed for a fee that could reach €140 million including bonuses, Diomandé has become one of the most expensive African players in football history. Against Ghana, this label followed him through every dribble.

He did not score, but he was a constant threat. According to statistics gathered after the match, he created three significant chances and completed seven of his ten dribbles, the best total of the match. He was also the one who set up Malick Yalcouyé for the play that led to the penalty for the 2-0 scoreline.

The Ivorian crowd appreciated his activity, although some moments also highlighted the downside of his play: a tendency to hold onto the ball too long and to take too many individual initiatives.

Yalcouyé steals the spotlight, but Diomandé remains in the limelight.

Malick Yalcouyé made a bigger impression by opening the scoring and winning the penalty converted by Franck Kessié. However, Diomandé demonstrated why Hervé Renard continues to give him an important role despite his still-debated start in Madrid.

At 19 years old, every appearance for the national team will now be viewed through the lens of his price tag. In Bouaké, he did not respond with a goal, but he showed that he could make an impact in other ways.