Football - Senegal: The metamorphosis of Moussa N'Diaye with Schalke

The supporters of Schalke are unanimous: they made a deal by recovering it this winter. However, at the time of Moussa N'Diaye’s arrival at Schalke 04 in the form of a loan, doubt was legitimate regarding the level of a player in total loss of speed. But a little more than a month after his arrival, the 23-year-old defender seems to be transformed, far from the blues that he carried as a burden on Anderlecht’s side. Because the last months of the Senegalese in Belgium were far from idyllic.

Formality, mourning and doubts
Expected at the beginning of the season to finally reign on the left lane of Les Mauves, the former Barça experienced a misshape that no one within the club has managed to explain. To the point of experiencing a gradual downgrade in the hierarchy of laterals. Yet in the pre-season, his preparation let nothing show through. But everything changed for him on August 17th. On the bench facing Dender, he learned just after the meeting of his little brother, Alpha, ’s death in Senegal after drowning. A personal drama in the middle of an early season that is far from being ideal on the sporting level. With the agreement of Anderlecht, Moussa N'Diaye took the country direction urgently to attend the funeral of the little brother of the siblings, aged 13.

A brutal ordeal that had to be overcome.

 "When our brother passed away, he came to take care of many things and support his loved ones morally, even though he himself needed support,"

 testifies his older brother, Mohamed. The main reason for his sports decline? Not only, but, protector, his brother was moved by the numerous criticisms suffered, notably a lack of investment.

 "People see him that way, but I can guarantee you he has a huge mind," 

he confided.

 "He has a lot of weight on his shoulders. People do not necessarily know the reality of African footballers and all the positions they have to take on, all the solicitations.”

"It was very hard," confides the person modestly, "but it is the divine will." To reflect on his pain, he tries to take refuge in football, but the head and legs follow less. On his return, Anderlecht, aware of the period he is going through, tries to accompany him in this ordeal. The way the club surrounded me gave me a lot of strength to continue. The coach spoke to me for a long time in private and gave me all the necessary time. 

But gradually, Moussa N'Diaye found himself 3rd choice in the hierarchy in mid-October. Besnik Hasi preferring to him even the young Truc Yasin Özcan. From that moment, he had to find a way out. 

Schalke as a lifeline
This one finally came from Germany in the last days of the transfer market, with a loan without purchase option at Schalke 04. An unexpected but salutary outcome, the Ruhr club being confronted with a cascade of injuries in its defensive sector. 

"My agent informed me of Schalke’s interest and quickly I spoke with the coach who told me that he wanted me and how they intended to use me. I also inquired and saw that it was a good project for me," 

says N'Diaye.

 «The German championship is known for its high level and then playing the rise in the Bundesliga is a very good challenge.»

An opinion shared by Cheikh Sidy Ba.

 "This loan will bring him many things, if he plays regularly. He is always improving, he is young, he is 23 years old... So, it will allow him to learn another way of playing and another mentality. The German mentality, which is rigorous,"

 the former Senegalese international told Africafoot.

Invisible work, physical and mental preparation
For now, the movement is proving to be profitable. Arrived at the same time as former Stephanois Adile Aouchiche, they form the new duo in the left corridor of the club based in Gelsenkirchen. Moussa N'Diaye made his debut under his new colours on 7th February against Dynamo Dresden (2-2) and since then he has never left the starting line. 

Six starts in as many matches, with the key to remarkable performances. Defensive strength regained and an offensive contribution thanks to his mobility and technical ease. The Senegalese international is playing matches and the numbers speak for themselves: 3 interceptions per match, 3 punches, 2.7 tackles, 3.8 balls recovered, 60% of duels won and 1.2 dribbles per match for an average rating of 6.8 on Sofascore.

A face renewal that is not the result of chance. If leaving his environment in Belgium necessarily played a role, the Senegalese also changed quite a few things in his daily life. 

“German football is very physically demanding. It requires repeating efforts, especially in his position. As a result, Moussa is doing more reinforcement. He also reviewed his entire recovery process to optimize his rest time," 

his brother says. 

"I often talk with him and we see the change." The staff of Moussa N'Diaye has also developed on several aspects, including mental preparation to help him overcome his period of doubt, but especially learn to cope with the pressure of everyday life. 

"We understood that we had to protect him more. I do what is at my level to advise him as best as possible and make sure he is well surrounded,"

 concludes Mohamed.

Do not skip the steps
An invisible work that seems to be bearing fruit, the left wing having already won over its new supporters, but also the club’s management. To the point that, according to Sport BILD, the leaders of Schalke are considering opening negotiations with Anderlecht. The amount of the operation is estimated at 1.5 million euros. However, the club’s finances could condition this transfer on a rise in the Bundesliga, while Schalke is currently the leader of Bundesliga 2 and a serious candidate for ascension. Enough to motivate the player to maintain this level of performance, especially since the 2026 World Cup is scheduled for the end of the season. 

But, the one who was crowned best player of the U20 AFCON in 2019 refuses to go faster than the  music. 

“There is currently a very strong group that has just won the AFCON. I am gradually coming back. I still have a lot of work to do to regain my level. Selection is something that must be earned. To go there, you need to be on top. I have to perform well over time in the club to have a chance"

he confides. 

This is a sign of lucidity about his situation.