Watching Getafe Vs Sevilla this weekend I couldn’t help but be mightily impressed with Getafe’s Djene Dakonam, the Togolese centre-back who’d impressed me last year in his debut season in La Liga, having joined Getafe from Sint-Truidense of Belgium.
Against Sevilla, “Djene” was moved into midfield, in essentially a tactical role to shut down Banega and Mesa. In the first half especially, both seemed unsettled by the attentions of Djene. Not long after Getafe had gone 1-0 up Djene read a pass into Banega, closed him down aggressively and led the usually composed Argentine to present the ball straight back to Getafe from which Jorge Molina should’ve scored. A few minutes later, with Djene hurtling towards him again, Banega presented a five yard pass straight back to Getafe, from which Angel wastefully shot tamely from 35 yards out with better optinos available. It was extraordinary to see Banega hassled into so many mistakes. It was a performance of intense athleticism from the Togolese, with his ability to perform his midfield role a testament to his maturity and intelligence.
Indeed, it’s hard not to get carried away with praise for Djene, he’s an ideal blend of power and brains, extremely quick and strong with a highly combative streak. His ability to read the game allows him to utilise his physique to put that mental understanding into practice. Last season he played 36 times, helping unfancied Getafe to a respectable eighth in La Liga, conceding just 33 goals in the entire season, only Athletico and Barce had conceded fewer. They’ve started this season well again, lying 5th and have only conceded two goals so far, the best in La Liga, keeping 3 clean sheets out of 4.
Can we expect him to move in the future ? Yes, I think is the answer.
When Getafe President Ángel Torres renewed Djene’s contract last November, just three months after signing him, he was assured the club would sanction a move for a good enough offer, it is thought the club want his 35m euro release clause to be met. This summer Djene was linked with Villareal and heavily linked with Sevilla, although the move broke down as Sevilla only offered a paltry 15m Euros, with Getafe demanding 25m plus 10m in clauses.
Djené knows he’s highly regarded in the Premier League, where his physical style would surely suit, and several clubs are known to be following him. Leicester reportedly submitted a bid of 25m euros, although the move did not materialise. AS reported that Emery had made Djene a key target, although the price tag likely deterred cash-strapped Arsenal.
Regardless, the Togolese is thought to favour continuing his development in LaLiga. Djene, asked about his future back in February:
“I’m happy to be at Getafe in my first year in LaLiga. It’s a club without pressure when you lose and it’s good for my first season. I’m working to play for a bigger club…I’m focused on the second half of the season, which will be difficult for us, and in helping Getafe to reach all their objectives.”
Now, take a look at the man himself.
Football Index Blog 