Inter consider moving Andy Diouf to the left side as Zidane's idea could give him a new role

Christian Kivu, the head coach of Inter, is studying the possibility of changing the position of French player Andy Diouf in the upcoming period, moving him from the right side to the left. This comes amid developments in the team's options on the flanks and the potential to benefit from him in the same position he occupies with the France national team under the guidance of Zinedine Zidane.

Andy Diouf has joined Inter as a midfielder, before Kievo repurposed him as a right winger in the 3-5-2 formation, taking advantage of his versatility and ability to occupy multiple positions, especially in light of Denzel Dumfries' absence and the physical issues faced by Djed Spence. However, the latter's return to full fitness may affect the coach's plans, as he has regained his place strongly and delivered impressive performances in recent matches.

Spence has established himself as a strong contender for the right-wing position after shining in the Milan Derby, providing two consecutive assists against Feyenoord and Como, and winning the Man of the Match award in the UEFA Champions League match against the Dutch side. Kievo also has another option in this position in Luis Henrique, which increases competition on the right flank and gives the coach room to redistribute roles.

In contrast, there may be a greater need for solutions on the left side, as Carlos Augusto has almost definitively shifted from a forward winger to a left centre-back within the three-man backline. This change leaves a gap behind Federico Dimarco, who is the primary option on the left flank, which may prompt Kievo to consider bringing in Diouf to cover the shortfall when needed.

The idea of employing Andy Diouf on the left side is not new, as Zidane, the head coach of France, had already embraced it when he unexpectedly called up the player last September to participate in UEFA Nations League matches. Zidane explained at the time that he does not see him as a midfielder or winger in his international plans, but prefers to use him in the left-back position.

Zinedine Zidane said: "At Inter, Diouf plays differently, but I want to see him in the left-back position. It's a strong and important decision, like the one regarding Adrien Truffert. Both have become capable of playing in this position with the France national team, after we struggled with a lack in this area for some time."

Zidane reiterated this idea ahead of the match against Italy and France, explaining: "We know he plays in a different position with Inter, but he is capable of occupying multiple positions. I believe he can also play on the left, and when he is with us, his role is to play in this position."

Despite the various roles he has played, Andy Diouf does not hide his desire to return to his original position in midfield, having become accustomed to playing there before moving to Italy. The player said in statements to "L'Équipe" during September: "I don't consider myself a full-back or a winger. My goal is to return to playing in midfield, as it is the position I grew up in and have the most experience in. It's completely crazy, it happened by chance, I found myself coming off the bench in several consecutive matches in this position, and I performed well. I'm a bit shocked."

Consequently, it is not ruled out that Kievo will try to move Diouf to the left side in the coming weeks, especially if the strong competition for the right wing continues and Inter's need for a replacement for Dimarco increases. The solution could be to involve Diouf and Spence together on both flanks, rather than sacrificing one of them, noting that this is still within the realm of technical possibilities and has not turned into an official decision from the coach.