Ismaila Coulibaly: 'he can definitely play at the highest level'

After two seasons at K. Beerschot V.A., the Malian midfielder is officially at Bramall Lane. We asked a few Beerschot supporters for their insight into a player that "everybody was excited about".

Words: David Taylor

After a two seasons playing for Belgian club K. Beerschot V.A., promising midfielder Ismaila Coulibaly – signed by Sheffield United from Sarpsborg 08 in September 2020 – is training at Shirecliffe ahead of a defining season in his career.

An immediate loan to Belgium is a well-trodden path for young international players coming to an English club, thanks to the famous work permit. Players from non-EU countries must gain the necessary ‘points’ to be given a UK playing visa, leading to many future Premier League stars plying their early trade in the country.

A change in regulations means that Coulibaly qualifies for the Blades a year early, leading to his premature return from Antwerp. As Beerschot were relegated last season, Coulibaly could also lose his work status if he were to remain with the club, as appearances in the second tier of Belgian football can affect a player’s visa status.

While Paul Heckingbottom remains relatively tight-lipped about Coulibaly’s talents and future, it’s always exciting to see a young player show promise, in this case as a tireless box-to-box midfielder – a position greatly valued by the Blades. United fans have been intrigued by just how good Coulibaly might be, especially after rumours that circulated last year regarding bids from big European teams, including AC Milan and Galatasaray.

Coulibaly is an ambitious man: having told journalists in 2020 that he sees himself playing in the Premier League in three years, it’s crunch time for the starlet. In a recent interview with Belgian football writers, Coulibaly expressed his sadness at leaving Beerschot, and frustrations with a lack of clarity around his future: “I don't consider my teammates as colleagues, but as true friends. It was a moving farewell.

“I don't want to be kept waiting and just ask for more clarity… Almost all the big Belgian clubs have already inquired with my agent."

With Coulibaly set to feature in United’s pre-season tour and domestic friendlies, it seems as if the club’s coaching staff are determined to welcome him into the fold. What can we learn from the young midfielder’s tenure at K. Beerschot V.A.?

Up and down

It was a loan of two halves. Coulibaly’s first season at Beerschot was impressive, with five goals from 22 appearances in a dynamic midfield. Frank Pietermaat, brother of former Beerschot midfielder and Coulibaly teammate Tom, was impressed: “I think Coulibaly was greatly appreciated by the fans. He was unknown to most when he arrived but impressed very early on with a goal in Gent. Beerschot were flying at that time before New Year under coach Losada and the attacking back and forth style of play suited him very well.

“He's a very energetic midfield player, very strong for his age but a bit reckless at times. His best position for me would be next to a holding midfielder who allows him to burst forward when needed and arrive in the box at the end of crosses or to get the second ball because he has quite a good shot from distance as well.

“Until last season Tom [Pietermaat] did play together with Coulibaly. Tom left Beerschot this summer as well. [Coulibaly]'s a loved character in a dressing room, very humble.”

Mathias Daeseleire was effusive in his review, comparing the midfielder to one of the Premier League’s most promising youngsters: “Coulibaly is a very good player. In the first half of the season in the first division, together with Holzhauser & Tissoudali, he was among the best players in the starting eleven. Strong physical power play, combined with technical skills: a lot of potential.

“He can definitely play at the highest level. He has the same kind of playing style and talent as [Brighton’s Moisés] Caicedo, if in the right environment.”

When the team’s performances dropped last season, so did Coulibaly’s. The previous season’s showing stood him in good stead with supporters, however, and he wasn’t seen as a major part of this downturn, due in part to his age and circumstances out of his control. Pietermaat was open in his analysis: “He did start this season and played some games but was sucked down in team performances which were very bad. Not much he could do about it at his age.

“Towards the end of the season after change of manager he disappeared a bit. Last season he was plagued by injuries, which was very unfortunate, but no doubt he has talent and a bright future.

“No one can blame his efforts: he works very hard and covers lots of miles. It does leave him sometimes out of position, that is probably something he will need to work on.

“I reckon the Championship could suit him quite well. He'll need some time to adapt, but not too much I would think if the team gets rolling early on.”

Daeselerie had similar thoughts on Coulibaly’s second season, reflecting on the challenge of playing so far from home during the COVID-19 pandemic: “he had to deal with injuries, and I heard that he had to deal with mental issues as well (missing his family by being in Belgium throughout COVID-19, and no possibility to visit them), leading to a (very) bad season with very few games and a lack of creativity/power/perseverance.

“He would be the one keeping us in first division last season without the issues, definitely.”

Another Beerschot supporter echoed these sentiments, although also offered a word of caution: “in the first few months he was brilliant. Strong with the ball at his feet, kept on running, good mentality, defensively strong – everybody was excited about him… he’s a good lad, a good character.

“After four months, he collapsed like the rest of our team. As a young guy it's no shame to be inconsistent for a whole season. Last year our team sucked and he had a harsh injury, so he didn't play much. Coulibaly is a talent. That's for sure. But good enough for the Championship? Nobody knows.”

In the less-than-active arena of Sheffield United transfers, it’ll be interesting to see how Coulibaly’s involvement with the club plays out. It’s a crucial summer for him: the box-to-box midfielder has all the attributes to fit in well at Bramall Lane, with experience both of a well-drilled, successful team and a maturity gained from professional and personal adversity. Sounds perfect for the Blades.

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David Taylor is a writer, editor and former captain of Whiston Parish Church Cricket Club U17s. His writing has appeared in GQ, Esquire and National Geographic Traveller, with broadcast work for BBC Radio 4 and Premier League Productions. A South Stand aficionado (or so he likes to think), David has been a DEM Blades editor since 2018 and is Contributing Editor of The Pinch.