Bambo Diaby: Grasping a second chance with Preston North End

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After failing a drugs test while playing for Barnsley, Bambo Diaby’s football career was in tatters, but he has found rejuvenation at Preston North End.

The Senegalese born Spaniard was banned from all forms of football activity for two years when traces of Higenamine were discovered in a urine sample from the player in January 2020.

Higenamine is a stimulant that strengthens the contractions of the heart and therefore increases cardiac output.

Barnsley released the powerful defender following the suspension, failing to complete a full season with the club.

Preston manager Ryan Lowe was quick to offer the 24-year-old a trial after the ban finished on the 17th of January 2022, and the former Lokeren man was impressive enough to be offered a deal to the end of the season.

Lowe spoke of Diaby having traits that were different from what was already in the Lilywhites squad.

He said:

“He’s got a fantastic attitude, and his application has been spot on.

“He’s trained on a daily basis for us, and he’s looked sharp.

“He’s different to what we’ve got.

“He can play in a few different positions around the back and probably right wing-back, so we’ve offered him a short-term deal until the end of the season to go and showcase what he’s got to potentially earn a longer contract.

“He’s very humble.

“He’s had a kick in the teeth, he’s been out for two years, and he’s very eager now to put that behind him and get on a streak.”

Lowe’s PNE operates in a three-five-two formation with the wingbacks pushed high to support the attack and the centre backs stepping in to aid the midfield in possession.

German defender Patrick Bauer has acted as a sweeper in the centre of the back three, but his lack of pace has sometimes seen the Lilywhites exposed.

Diaby has fantastic pace and power, which makes him a natural to fill the sweeper role in certain games against opposition with fast forward.

Due to how high the wingbacks work in Lowe’s preferred formation, there is a lot of space for the opposition to expose in the channels, which troubled Bauer, but Preston’s number 41 has the ability to shut down those fears.

Assured in possession, Diaby can also add to the retention of possession for the Deepdale based side as they stand an outside chance of making the Championship playoffs.

A draw away to Cardiff City at the weekend was frustrating for the Lilywhites faithful as they feel it was an opportunity missed to pick up three points.

However, Diaby’s strong performance was a positive to take away from the stalemate in Wales.

The six-foot-two defender recorded impressive possession stats, with an 82.9% passing accuracy.

City strikers Jordan Hugill and Issak Davies barely got a chance against the physical Diaby, who won four aerial duels, made five clearances, blocked two shots and won two tackles in a robust display.

Is Diaby the final piece of the jigsaw for Lowe’s Lilywhites?

Probably not, but the addition of the Spaniard to the Preston defence certainly goes a long way to making the Lancashire side increasingly solid in defence.

A partner for Emil Riis upfront and a new left-wingback are among the positions Lowe will need to strengthen during the summer transfer window.

Most will agree everyone deserves another chance, and it is pleasing from not only football fans but the human perspective to see Diaby positively clutching possibly a final shot at redemption

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