Frazer Robertson, with a notable history at the Right to Dream Academy, has cherished two significant mementos in his home – match-worn Nordsjaelland strips from his coaching days in Ghana. One strip belongs to the accomplished West Ham player, Mohammed Kudus, while the other represents the newest addition to Rangers, Mohamed Diomande. These tokens serve as reminders of the exceptional talents Robertson has had the privilege to work with, placing Kudus and Diomande in an elite category.
Yet, the transition from excelling in the relatively modest setting of Nordsjaelland, where crowds average just over 5000, to donning the revered light blue of Rangers before a much larger and demanding audience poses a unique challenge. Adding to the pressure is Diomande’s arrival with a substantial £4.5 million price tag. Robertson, however, unequivocally believes that Diomande, much like Kudus thriving in the Premier League with West Ham, possesses all the qualities needed to make a significant impact at Ibrox.
Both Diomande and Kudus graduated from Right to Dream Academy to the Danish club Nordsjaelland, owned by the academy in the past six years. In an interview with Record Sport, Robertson highlighted Diomande’s off-pitch demeanor, describing him as someone who will bring a quiet charm to Ibrox, while on the field, he is anticipated to display a fiercely competitive and talented character.
Reflecting on Diomande’s early days in Ghana, Robertson shared his memories of the midfielder being part of a special group, including Kudus and Ibrahim Sadiq, spanning the age bands of 2000 and 2001. Despite being among the younger members, Diomande consistently held his own in the squad. Robertson recalled being alerted to Diomande’s potential even before meeting him in person.
During their first encounter, Diomande, despite feeling unwell, exhibited a quiet, reserved, and humble demeanor while observing the training session from the sidelines. Robertson noted the Ivorian’s immediate impact upon returning to training, showcasing intense dedication and exceptional technical ability.
Robertson emphasized Diomande’s readiness for the physical demands of Scottish football, highlighting his enjoyment of the aggressive side of the game. According to Robertson, Diomande is not only a technically adept and creatively gifted footballer but also possesses a natural football intelligence, displaying a comprehensive skill set that spans both offensive and defensive aspects of the game.
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