Senegal Starting Lineup vs Ecuador: World Cup Starting 11 Announced
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After winning their first African Cup of Nations, Senegal are rightfully viewed as probably the toughest and best-respected teams from their continent. They’re a talented, veteran squad that know how to play together, but if they want to have success in this World Cup, they’re going to have to figure out how to be near their best without their best player, Ballon D’Or runner-up Sadio Mané. Get updated Senegal starting 11 vs. Ecuador.
Senegal Starting 11 Vs. Ecuador
GK- Édouard Mendy
LB- Abdou Diallo
CB- Kalidou Koulibaly
CB- Moustapha Jakobs
RB- Youssouf Sabaly
MF- Idrissa Gana Gueye
MF- Nampalys Mendy
MF- Famara Diedhiou
LW- Ismalia Sarr
RW- Krépin Diatta
ST- Boulaye Dia
It would be a major blow to any side from Africa or any other continent to lose a player of Mané’s stature just before the World Cup- but Sénégal have enough depth that they can hope to contend even in his absence. This is surely one of the stronger squads in Senegalese history- in addition to finally securing that first AFCON over the winter, this is only their third World Cup appearance. They have plenty of action-tested players from Europe’s top leagues, starting at the back with superstar goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. It wasn’t long ago at all that the Chelsea star was considered to be one of the best, if not the best, goalkeepers in the whole World, but he’s fallen on some tougher times as of late. Still, he’s an outstanding option, and always performs admirably for his country. The defensive line is anchored, as always, by Kalidou Koulibaly, the team’s captain and one of its most accomplished players; his peak was during his years at Napoli, but he’s still an imposing presence these days.
The midfield is perhaps the team’s strongest position group, save for the one-man goalkeeping “group”, as it’s made up of a trio of prem talents, with the asterisk that the youngster Sarr generally plays for Tottenham’s U21 squad (he just turned 20 this fall). Idrissa Gueye is a much more veteran presence, as he’s past his peak really but carries invaluable experience, as is Nampalys Mendy to a lesser extent; he’s not really a full-time starter, but has picked up plenty of minutes at Leicester over the years. The front line will be a bit thinner than hoped with Mané out, but it’s still a talented, young group, led by Boulaye Dia who has picked up 8 goal contributions already in this Serie A season. Senegal have a tough path to qualify through their group without their all-time top scorer, but this team still has enough talent to keep the magic going and make it happen if they’re at their best.
Senegal Starting Lineup History
Vs. Qatar
GK- Édouard Mendy
LB- Abdou Diallo
CB- Kalidou Koulibaly
CB- Moustapha Jakobs
RB- Youssouf Sabaly
MF- Idrissa Gana Gueye
MF- Nampalys Mendy
MF- Famara Diedhiou
LW- Ismalia Sarr
RW- Krépin Diatta
ST- Boulaye Dia
Vs. Netherlands
GK- Édouard Mendy
LB- Abdou Diallo
CB- Kalidou Koulibaly
CB- Pape Abou Cissé
RB- Youssouf Sabaly
MF- Idrissa Gana Gueye
MF- Nampalys Mendy
MF- Pape Matar Sarr
LW- Ismalia Sarr
RW- Krépin Diatta
ST- Boulaye Dia
Senegal Starting 11 FAQ
- Who Is Senegal’s Starting Goalkeeper?
- Who Is Senegal’s Starting Striker?
- Who Is Senegal’s Best Player?
Who Is Senegal’s Starting Goalkeeper?
Édouard Mendy, one of the best keepers on any international squad; he was perhaps the most key player in their successful AFCON run and qualifiers for this World Cup.
Who Is Senegal’s Starting Striker?
Even with Mané active, Boulaye Dia has played up top for his country, so it’s fair to assume that the Salernitana man will be at striker in this tournament.
Who Is Senegal’s Best Player?
This of course is a very different question with Mané in the lineup, but with him out it’s probably Mendy- as far as outfield players, I’d look to the team’s legendary captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who may be a step past his prime but is still an excellent leader and footballer.
