National media raves over what Ibrahim Mbaye did for Senegal, he's 'already an icon'

Ibrahim Mbaye impressed on international duty for Senegal on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old scored the only goal of the game as the Lions of Teranga defeated Ethiopia 1-0 in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

What will particularly please Aston Villa supporters is how Mbaye combined with his club team-mate Nicolas Jackson.

Fellow summer arrival Jackson did brilliantly to hold the ball up for Mbaye, who took an excellent touch then rifled high into the top-left corner.

Stilly just a teenager, there is an acceptance from Unai Emery and Villa supporters that Mbaye remains very much a work in progress.

But the Senegalese media waxed lyrical about Mbaye's performance, in a game where Senegal underperformed on the whole.

What did the Senegalese media say about Ibrahim Mbaye?

Mbaye has only had a handful of appearances since moving to Villa Park from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

He has just two substitute appearances off the bench in the Premier League, while he started and assisted in the Carabao Cup win over Coventry.

But it will please Emery and Villa supporters no end to see him make a big contribution for his country on international duty.

Indeed, he earned rave reviews from Senegalese media too, who noted how he was a constant threat to Ethiopia.

WiwSport wrote of Mbaye: "Two turnovers right from the kickoff, including a very dangerous one that left Yalew one-on-one with Diouf (5th minute), got his match off to a bad start, but he quickly recovered.

"He made a superb run in behind and opened the scoring with a beautiful piece of skill in the 11th minute. Whether on the right wing or in midfield, Mbaye was much more incisive than in his recent appearances for the Lions.

"He finished with a strong performance, displaying tremendous energy, and could have deserved more with an assist for Jackson in the 86th minute."

DSports were also impressed by Mbaye, writing: "Making his first start under Vieira, Ibrahim Mbaye put Senegal in a comfortable position in the 11th minute: a perfect strike into the top corner, set up by Jackson after a run in behind.

"An early bird, already an icon. Substituted in the 87th minute, Mbaye was a constant thorn in the side of opposing defenders thanks to his speed and directness."

Emery will love what he saw from Mbaye

Mbaye was full of direct running and speed for Senegal, traits that Emery brought him to Villa Park for.

He provided two key passes in the game, and created one big chance, which Jackson himself failed with late in the game.

Mbaye attempted five dribbles in the game, and was successful with three of those.

By the end of the game, he had 22 carries, four of which were classed as progressive carries.

His total progression was 83.9 metres, and his proggressive carrying amounted to 65.8m - the longest of which was 19.5m.

If he can bring that sort of directness and creativity back to Villa then Emery will be absolutely delighted.