Habib Diarra

Diarra has been named in Senegal's World Cup squad and is expected to contribute from midfield under coach Pape Thiaw, arriving at the tournament after a solid Premier League season with Sunderland despite competition for playing time.

Analysis: Diarra contributed two goals and two assists across 20 Premier League appearances this season, delivering a consistent attacking output from midfield that underlines his potential as one of the more exciting young players in Senegal's squad. His ability to arrive late into the box, combine quickly in tight spaces and contribute directly to goals gives Senegal an additional creative and goal-scoring threat from the center of the park, and his Premier League experience prepares him well for the physical demands of a major international tournament. For Senegal, Diarra provides energy, dynamism and a direct goal threat from midfield that complements the more defensive profiles around him, and his development as one of the most promising young players in the squad makes him an exciting option for coach Pape Thiaw to deploy throughout the competition.

May 18, 2026

Bags assist

Diarra assisted once to go with two crosses (two accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-1 victory versus Everton.

Analysis: Diarra only appeared for 13 minutes Sunday but was still able to make a mark on the match, finding Wilson Isidor in extra time. This brings the midfielder to two goals and two assists this campaign in 19 appearances (15 starts). However, he has not started in their past three games, hoping to be picked for the season finale after a starting role for much of the second half of the campaign.