Mahamadou Diarra - The Enforcer

Lately, I have been staying up real late on weekend nites to watch Real Madrid in the La Liga. The main reason was to catch Mahamadou Diarra play. He is quite extraordinary, the enforcer in the Real Madrid team.

This midfielder is God-sent, he has such superb combination of incisive passing, waspish tackling and a work rate that would have done credit to a younger Patrick Vieira or Claude Makelele. He has got lithe athleticism, boundless stamina and sheer strength, all tellingly interwined by a ruthless and determined streak.

He is probably the best among the African players making recent football headlines. I rate him ahead of players like Essien, Drogba and even, Freddy Adu. This new generation of players are far likely to surpass their more famous predecessors like Abedi Pele, George Weah, Roger Milla, Thomas N’ Kono or the Super Eagles real soon.

From his earlier outings at Lyon, it was blindingly clear that this lad was going to be special. Diarra lacked nothing. His control was magnetic, his pace was so ever-searing, a visionary passer and a owner of shots that was both startling and prodigious flair. Devotees at Lyon must be lamenting how a thrilling talent of limitless potential was allowed to slip away.

This Mali international's midfield craft and understanding with Emerson is providing the Madrid backline with devastating protection. As Marca, a Spanish newspaper had screamed in the earlier weeks of season 06/07, “He is the lungs of the middle of the park who never loses the ball.” Can't be that wrong, he costs US$33 millions.

He is the leader of Real Madrid's new order under the Capello rule. His finest hour of towering accomplishment at Real Madrid has yet to come...