Pape Demba Diop hailed as TFC’s standout winter signing | OneFootball

On loan from Strasbourg, Senegalese midfielder Pape Demba Diop scored and assisted in Toulouse’s 2-0 win at Brest, his third outing, underlining a rapid adaptation.

L'Équipe reports that Toulouse revived their summer pursuit, securing a seven January loan after a quiet first half-season at Nürnberg. Strasbourg ended that stint and sent the 22-year-old to Haute-Garonne, a move already paying off.

He started three days later in the Coupe de France at Angers, a 1-1 draw won 6-5 on penalties. In Brest he opened his Ligue 1 account on 27 minutes with a near-post finish from a quick throw by Mark McKenzie, then sparked Yann Gboho’s second on 43.

Head coach Carles Martinez Novell praised his confidence, dynamism and box-to-box running, noting an excellent adaptation from day one. McKenzie called him a warrior figure, dependable under pressure, secure in possession and dangerous going forward.

Diop’s acceleration, shooting and coverage make him an ideal stand-in for Francis Abu, sidelined for the season with a cruciate rupture. He also dovetailed well with Cristian Casseres, with the coach hailing the tempo they set.

Casseres could yet depart before the two February deadline and, if so, Martinez Novell would like a quick replacement, though the internal priority is to keep everyone, including Charlie Cresswell and Dayann Methalie. TFC sit eighth, three points off fifth, on 29 points from 19 matches, their best at this stage since 2011-2012. Martinez Novell said they will see where they are with three or four games remaining.

Source: L'Équipe