Following two lopsided encounters, the 2022 World Cup finally delivered a closely contested matchup as Senegal and Netherlands fought in a cagey yet well-balanced affair. In the end, it was the Dutch who emerged victorious courtesy of two goals from Cody Gakpo and substitute Davy Klaassen, leaving the African champions with ground to make up in their following contest. So let’s take a look at our player ratings for Senegal who went out empty-handed from their opening fixture which ended in a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Netherlands.
Senegal (4-3-3)
Edouard Mendy – 4
The custodian is enduring a difficult campaign at Chelsea and his poor form transmitted to the international stage. He allowed Gakpo to beat him following an ill-advised exit. He then poorly parried away Memphis Depay’s shot, which enabled Klaassen from pouncing on the rebound.
Youssouf Sabaly – 6
The right-back made himself useful at the back, making some timely interventions. However, he was mostly wasteful when going forward.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 5.5
The Napoli legend marshalled the backline with class and confidence, but his display was spoiled by the two late goals. Perhaps he shouldn’t have trusted Mendy on the opener, and he could have done better to block Depay’s shot which led to the second goal.
Papa Abou Cissé – 6.5
A solid display from the big Olympiacos defender who dealt well with Janssen and the rest of the Dutch attack.
Abdou Diallo – 6
The Leipzig fullback did a solid job facing Dumfries. He tried to support his teammates with his crossing, but it was a case of hit-and-miss.
Cheikhou Kouyaté – 6.5
The battling Nottingham midfielder put on a ward-working shift in the middle as always before leaving the pitch while carrying an injury. Made a timely interception to prevent Frenkie de Jong from scoring.
Idrissa Gana Gueye – 6
The former PSG man was lively, influential and generous. But he ran out of steam by the end of the match.
Nampalys Mendy – 6
The Leicester defensive midfielder acted as a shield in front of the backline without offering too much on the attacking phase.
Krepin Diatta – 6
The winger tried to get something going on the right flank, but faced difficulties against Nathan Aké and Daley Blind.
Boulaye Dia – 5.5
The Saletnitana striker tested Andries Noppert with a low drive, but the gigantic Dutch goalkeeper was up to the task. Otherwise, he was kept quiet by Virgil van Dij.
Ismaila Sarr – 6.5
An impressive display from the left winger who was arguably the best player for Senegal from start to finish. Caused havoc for Matthijs de Ligt who had to repeatedly foul him to stop him from running away with the ball.
Read our Player Ratings for Netherlands
Substitutes
Ismail Jacobs – 6
The left-back replaced the injured Diaby, and did a decent job in his stead. Delivered a fine cross to the box, but his shot went wayward.
Ahmadou Bamba Dieng – 5.5
The striker was supposed to add some energy when he entered for Dia, but hardly made himself noticed.
Pape Gueye – 6
Worked hard in the middle of the park and produced what was perhaps Senegal’s most dangerous shot on target.
Nicolas Jackson – 5.5
The young forward couldn’t display his prowess, entering the pitch at a time when Senegal were beginning to lose the plot.
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