In Mali the star of Baye Coulibalymidfielder born in 2006 who has several clubs on his trail. The 18-year-old came to international attention last year when he shone for Mali’s under-17 team at the World Cup, where the African team put together a string of stunning performances, including a sensational 3-0 win over Argentina: an experience that culminated in a third place finish.
Coulibaly temporarily filled the role of central defender for his national team, but has established himself as a defensive midfielder, a role he filled with Mali’s under-20 team in the recent Africa Cup of Nations, also earning the title of best player in the drawn match 0-0 against Gambia.
The teenager was recently signed by NK Kustosija in Croatia, a club that is building an international reputation as a scout for young talent and a broker for transfers to bigger clubs in Europe. Recently the Croatians sold 17-year-old striker Dino Klapija, a former Manchester United target, to Red Bull Leipzig (last summer) and previously sold Senegalese prospect Mikayil Faye to Barcelona, subsequently bought from Rennes for £12m to August.
Name: Baye Coulibaly
Date of birth: January 8, 2006
Nationality: Malian
Role: central midfielder
Squad: NK Kustosia
It looks like: N’Golo Kante
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