French by birth, the 25-year-old opted to pledge his nationality to Senegal earlier this season.

And already the Lille midfielder has proved a boost to the country's footballing efforts.

Though tending to play more of a defensive role, he has shown his desire to push forward, scoring a handful of crucial league goals as well as impressing in Lille's European campaigns.

He looks to have finally settled at the right club followed a season apiece at Martigues, Monaco and Toulouse, all of which he was loaned to by former employers Bordeaux.