The all-terrain machine

Real Madrids midfield can breathe a breath of fresh air with the signing of Mahamadou Diarra. Nearly perfect physique-wise, the 25-year-old, Mali-born midfielder’s best quality is his ability to read his opponent’s next move and cut off any possible threat in the centre of the pitch. Notwithstanding, his long stride allows him to ocassionally commit himself to the attack, and his scoring numbers are quite good for a midfielder. His personal best of six goals in one season took place in 2004/05.

Mahamadou Diarra was born in Bamako, Mali on 18 May 1981. The six foot, 168 pound midfielder began his football career in the CSK Bamako youth system. After working his way up, he finally hit the big time in 1998 when he was called to play for the first team in the First Division. European football opened its doors soon thereafter.

OFI Crete was the first European team to give Diarra a try at the start of 1998/99 season. He made a great impression and signed his first professional contract. But, it was hard for the Mali native to shine in the small Cyprus League, and by the end of his first season, he signed with Holland’s SBV Vitesse Arnhem. Despite having difficulty adjusting to Dutch football, the Vitesse coach, and former Barcelona star, Ronald Koeman took Diarra under his wing and helped him improve his technical game. Thanks to Diarra’s strength, the usually mediocre team finished, sixth and fifth in the Dutch League in the two following seasons (2000/01 and 2001/02).
While still playing in Holland in 2001, Diarra signed with Frances Olympique Lyonnais for 3.8 million euros. His arrival coincided with Lyon’s explosion onto the French football scene, and the team won four consecutive League titles and started making a name for themselves in Europe by defeating heavyweights including Real Madrid. Diarra renewed his contract with Olympique Lyonnais throughout the 2009 season, but Real Madrid had other plans. Mahamadou Diarra will now show off his physical strength and more than noticeable technique at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.