Piero Hincapie had a World Cup debut to forget as the Arsenal defender was taken apart by Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomande.
Ivory Coast secured a last-minute winner against Ecuador to win 1-0 and take a huge step towards the knockout stages.
Fill in the blank: I think Yan Diomande would be a _______________ signing for Arsenal…
However, Ecuador now have much to do in Group F after producing a rather questionable performance in their World Cup opener.
But despite Manchester United’s Amad Diallo scoring the winner, the Man of the Match award went to Diomande, who kept getting the better of Hincapie.
Piero Hincapie should tell Arsenal to sign Yan Diomande
Piero Hincapie should be making it very clear to Arsenal that they must do everything in their power to sign Yan Diomande this summer.
Ecuadorian media slammed Hincapie’s performance against the Ivory Coast, and his poor showing was largely down to the 19-year-old winger.
During the game, Hincapie was dribbled past four times, which is the most by a defender in a 2026 World Cup match so far, according to OptaJoe.
Meanwhile, since Opta began recording in 1996, Diomande became the first to create 5+ chances (5), make 5+ tackles (5), win 10+ duels (11) and have 10+ touches in the opposition’s box (12) in a World Cup match.
The teenager produced one of the best individual displays of the tournament so far and proved why so many top clubs are after him.
👀 NAME a BETTER midfield target for Arsenal than Ayyoub Bouaddi… I bet you CAN’T…
🌟 The 18-year-old looked so good vs Brazil's at the World Cup!
Liverpool are leading the race for Diomande right now, and Hincapie will be desperate not to face him again next season in the Premier League.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Diomande, and their defender should be telling Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta to make sure he is signed.
Berta is looking to add to Arsenal’s attack this summer, and the winger, who RB Leipzig value at £112 million, should be a key target.
Ayyoub Bouaddi is the other Arsenal target who has impressed at the World Cup, with Berta needing to start work on a deal for the 18-year-old.
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