Siena’s Baby Drogba – Player Profile: Souleymane Coulibaly
Siena’s Baby Drogba – Player Profile: Souleymane Coulibaly
July 15, 2011
By Abdel Kader Zeidan
Until last month, not many in Italy have heard of Siena’s 16-year-old Ivorian striker. After his Golden Boot performance at the recent Under-17 World Cup held in Mexico, Souleymane Coulibaly is on the tip of the tongue of every major European club.
Souleymane’s story is not too different from other African players who were forced to leave their countries because of conflict. Souleymane emigrated to Italy at the age of 13 with his father from the Ivory Coast in order to escape the conflict that has troubled the West African nation.
His talent did not go unnoticed by Siena’s scouting team and was soon snapped up. Souleymane has yet to make his first team debut with Siena and has been playing regularly with the youth team.
It was at last months Under-17 World Cup that the world took notice of the incredible potential the youngster is capable of. His 9 goals (Ivory Coast total goal tally equaled 11) in 4 games put him miles ahead in the race for the Golden Boot.
In game 2 of the tournament, Coulibaly racked up 4 goals as Ivory Coast beat Denmark 4-2. His man of the match performance put Brazil on alert as Ivory Coast headed into the final game of the group stage against the South American giants.
Coulibaly certainly did not disappoint, already having scored 2 goals, Coulibaly completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute with a wonderfully taken bicycle kick from a corner as the game ended in an enthralling 3-3 draw.
Coulibaly would go on to score his ninth goal of the tournament as the Ivory Coast were eventually knocked out by France in the 2nd round of the competition.
His performance at the World Cup have put the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United on alert while the media have likened him to his compatriot Didier Drogba.
It is yet to be seen how long Siena would be able to hold on to their superstar in the making. In the meantime fans of Siena and Italian football can be very excited to see the young striker take the peninsula by storm.
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Tags: Souleymane Coulibaly, Coulibaly, Siena, Ivory Coast, Under-17 World Cup, Mexico, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Didier Drogba, Drogba, Brazil, France, Denmark, Africa
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