Gary O'Neil shifts Diego Moreira wide right, Strasbourg star flourishes but can he aim higher? | OneFootball

Diego Moreira, last season’s breakout left-back, is flourishing wide right for Strasbourg under Gary O’Neil. The 21-year-old hosts Lyon on Sunday at 20:45, two years after leaving OL and an early recall by Chelsea.

According to L'Équipe, he has played on the right since early 2026. In his last six outings there he has one goal from 13 shots, netting in the 2-1 win over Metz on 18 January. After the 4-1 at Lille on 25 January, he said he enjoys the higher role and hopes to add goals.

An influential agent thinks he could aim higher as a wing-back, yet sees defensive lapses and inconsistency, and rates him well short of Nuno Mendes and Alphonso Davies. A Ligue 1 scout is sceptical he can reach a world-class level, suggesting he thrives in Strasbourg’s calm, youthful environment. They question whether he could establish himself after Benfica and Chelsea.

Valued at around €30m, he could continue his rise away from BlueCo, the American consortium that owns Strasbourg and Chelsea. The report says his wing-back profile may suit Italy, with Roma, Napoli and Milan named. Juventus showed interest last summer, but he chose to stay in Alsace.

Chelsea are believed to hold a favourable buy-back, yet the report recalls he struggled in pre-season under Mauricio Pochettino and that the club may not need him, with Geovany Quenda expected. At least one Premier League side enquired this winter without progressing. O’Neil wants greater consistency but praises his energy and physicality.

Source: L'Équipe