Diangana and how he takes Pellegrini’s “next step”
The manager was unclear in describing what that was but after taking him out of the action in Yorkshire it’s a question worth revisiting.
Early in the game Grady made one hugely exiting contribution when delivering a magnificent pass to Arnie from which most would have backed him to score given his usual deadly ability in such positions.
Sadly, it never looked likely with the striker unable to take up the right position to put it around the keeper as is usually the case.
However, it could not detract from the quality that ‘Diang’ showed in setting up the chance but sadly little followed and that may have affected his confidence and eventually his substitution.
It also begged the question of that next step which I reckon means the reliability of his team-mates who are a looking for him to choose the right option in a variety of circumstances.
He has to learn when to press on towards goal, make a run off the ball or release it as he did on Saturday to set up Arnie’s chance.
Effectively the next step it seems is game experience!
It’s a scenario not uncommon to players much further advanced in the game like Raheem Sterling who often fails to pick the right ball, often preferring to press on with a run that too often fizzles out.
Grady Diangana is a hugely exciting player and will grow and grow but in the meantime expect him to be subbed regularly as he continues on his PL learning curve.