If there is one player who has set a high standard in both his first two matches at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, producing two near-perfect displays, it is Senegal’s Youssouf Sabaly.

“We really need a player like him,” said Lions of Teranga coach Aliou Cisse in reference to the young Bordeaux defender. “He’s solid in defence and finds space for himself really well. He’s also got a great understanding with Sadio Mane, which is important. He’s just the kind of player I like.”

Born in Le Chesnay, near Paris, Sabaly has been putting in one good performance after another. Full of energy against Poland, the 25-year-old cemented his place at left-back with another fine display in the meeting with Japan.

Sabaly, who plays on the other flank for his French club, has also showcased his ability to cross the ball and played a part in both his side’s goals against the Japanese. It was his shot that goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima spilled into Sadio Mane’s path for Senegal’s opener. And in the build-up to their second, the full-back performed a Zinedine Zidane-like pirouette in the box before laying off a pass that Moussa Wague fired home at the far post.

Sabaly’s team-mates are full of praise for his efforts. “Youssouf is strong and when he’s around you know that we are safe down that flank,” said team captain Mane.

The Bordeaux man is having a world finals to remember, as he confirmed: “I feel good. Emotionally, it’s sunk in that I’m playing at the World Cup, representing my country and fulfilling a childhood dream. I’ve got myself in warrior mode, and we’re hoping to go as far as we can.”

“We’re obviously having a good time and we feel pretty much at ease,” said Sabaly. “Everyone likes us, but we can’t go around thinking that we don’t have objectives or that the fans aren’t expecting us to get results. We’re going to do all we can to beat Colombia and make the last 16. We’re not on holiday yet.”