Generation Foot academy’s general manager Olivier Perrin has drawn a comparison between FC Metz striker Habib Diallo, and West Ham forward Diafra Sakho.
The Hammers signed the forward from Metz in the summer of 2014, and the Senegalese striker has been a hit in east London, with 18 goals in 43 appearances for the Upton Park outfit.
And many feel another Senegalese is following in the footsteps of the West Ham forward at Metz, with some impressive performances in the French second tier.
Diallo, 20, has been in good touch for the Ligue 2 outfit this season, and has three goals to his name in eight league apperances, leading to comparison with Sakho, who also earned a name for himself at the Stade Saint-Symphorien.
And Generation Foot – the Senegalese academy where Sakho started his career – general manager Perrin admits that there are a number of similarities between the West Ham forward and Diallo.
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He told Republicain Lorrain: “Habib has the same profile, in terms of power and speed, although Diaf was less efficient in front of goal at his age.
“In terms of potential, Habib can achieve the same [as Sakho].”
Diallo has a contract until 2020 with Metz, but they are aware that if the young striker continues to improve, big clubs will may calling for him in the near future, as was the case with Sakho.
Perrin also recalled a goal scored by Diallo which was similar to those scored by Aston Villa striker Rudy Gestede, another player to come through the ranks at Metz.
"In Dakar, he was a real striker. I saw him with a header from 16.5 metres, much like Rudy Gestede did in his time."
