Diop likened to Vieira

Tuesday 20 December, 2005

Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop has been compared to Patrick Vieira by his manager Chris Coleman.

Diop got his name on the scoresheet in the Cottagers 2-1 win over Blackburn at the weekend and Coleman was quick to praise the efforts of the former Lens midfielder.

“He has got great feet, scores goals, defends well, tackles, has got good pace and I can't think of another player in the League with his stature and ability,” Coleman said after the game. “There was one, but he has gone to Juventus.

“It is important for us to keep hold of our best players. Unfortunately for us there are certain teams in the League who have got a lot of money, a lot of pulling power and we have to compete with that, so I am a realist.

“If the unthinkable happens and somebody comes knocking, then it is going to have to be a lot of money.”