French Media: Diouf Secures Inter's Right Wing-Back Role After Position Change, Could Earn France Call-Up

According to French media outlet Foot Mercato, Diouf has secured a starting role for Inter Milan after switching to the right wing-back position and could receive a France national team call-up in the future.

Last summer, he joined Lombardy from Lens for a transfer fee of 20 million euros and was regarded as a major prospect, but the France U21 international's first season was somewhat difficult. The 23-year-old could only serve as a rotation option in midfield and patiently waited for opportunities during his adaptation period. However, Diouf, who comes from Nanterre, never doubted himself and worked harder in training to turn the situation around. He was rewarded when head coach Chivu's tactical adjustments moved him to the right wing-back position, and he seized the opportunity. Now free of pressure, he has finally shown his athletic ability and technical potential at Inter Milan.

During pre-season, he scored three goals, including one against Juventus. In Serie A's opening round against Monza, he provided two assists, continuing to meet external expectations. But his rise has not only been reflected in attack: in Inter Milan's 3-2 victory over Napoli this weekend, Andy Diouf delivered an outstanding defensive display, completing all six of his tackles successfully and proving that he can defend as well. He has now almost become the undisputed starter on the right flank, not only helping Inter fans temporarily forget Denzel Dumfries' departure, but also potentially putting pressure on new signing Spence, who will need stronger performances if he wants to replace him.

In the Romanian coach's 3-5-2 system, Diouf almost meets all the requirements of a modern wing-back. He is highly impactful in one-on-one situations, can make repeated runs, deliver the ball into dangerous areas, and maintain disciplined defensive recovery, providing valuable balance for Inter Milan's right side. Despite his excellent displays on the right, the No.17 player still hopes to return to his most familiar midfield position. His versatility and running ability have already attracted attention ahead of Inter Milan's return to the Champions League. Having proven himself in pre-season and Serie A, the upcoming Champions League match against Real Madrid will be another stage to confirm his form.

This trajectory and level of performance could soon reach the ears of new France head coach Zinedine Zidane. The right-back position in the France team remains uncertain, and Andy Diouf could become a solution for the future. As long as he maintains this momentum, he has every chance of becoming a major surprise in Zidane's future squads. A regular in France's youth national teams and a silver medalist at the 2024 Olympics, the player has always expressed his desire to wear the France shirt, and being selected for the national team would be seen by him as a natural next step and a reward for his development.