Moussa Niakhaté

CB / LBCompare →
League: Ligue 1Team: LyonNationality: SenegalFrance
Positions:CBLBAge: ~30

Estimated market value (beta)

€2.5m€10.8m
Confidence: 60%
Valuation is computed by our proprietary formula, currently in development. Confidence denotes how sure we are of the estimate. Lower confidence widens the range.

Overview

MobilityControlDistributionThreatDefenseDuelsPotential
Overall x̄(w) = 68 / 100·Confidence 60%

Weighted average of attribute scores for this role, position-adjusted. Standout attributes count more than weaknesses.

Attributes (grouped)

Mobility

Acceleration74

Quick first few steps allow him to recover when caught upfield. (conf 0.7)

Top speed76

Genuine pace to outrun forwards on the last line. (conf 0.7)

Agility68

Reasonable turning ability though can look rigid under close pressure. (conf 0.6)

Stamina75

Holds intensity across matches typical of an everyday Ligue 1 centre-back. (conf 0.6)

Control

First touch66

Controls the ball cleanly enough to play out from the back reliably. (conf 0.55)

Dribbling58

Limited progressive carrying, prefers simple forward steps. (conf 0.55)

Ball shielding72

Strong frame lets him screen the ball well under physical pressure. (conf 0.6)

Ball striking60

Adequate clearance and pass weighting without notable power on the ball. (conf 0.5)

Distribution

Short passing70

Composed in short build-up exchanges with midfielders and full-backs. (conf 0.6)

Long passing62

Can find switches of play though not a standout distributor. (conf 0.55)

Crossing40

Rarely delivers crosses given his central defensive role. (conf 0.45)

Vision60

Reads passing lanes competently for a defensive-minded centre-back. (conf 0.5)

Chance threat

Finishing45

Occasional set-piece threat but not a regular goal contributor. (conf 0.45)

Shot selection48

Rarely shoots outside of close-range set-piece opportunities. (conf 0.4)

Off-ball movement62

Positions himself sensibly at set pieces to attack crosses. (conf 0.5)

Set-piece shot42

Not utilized as a dead-ball taker at any of his clubs. (conf 0.4)

Duels

Aerial82

Physically imposing and dominant in the air against most attackers. (conf 0.75)

Ground duels78

Strong tackler who wins the majority of one-on-one challenges. (conf 0.7)

Defense

Pressing intensity68

Engages proactively as part of a high defensive line when fit. (conf 0.55)

Defensive disruption75

Reads interceptions well and breaks up attacks with timely challenges. (conf 0.65)

Defensive positioning76

Generally sound positioning though occasional lapses in transition. (conf 0.65)

Mental

Composure70

Settled on the ball and in duels, rarely panics under pressure. (conf 0.6)

Decision making68

Sensible risk management, favors safety over ambitious passes. (conf 0.55)

Work rate76

Consistent defensive effort across ninety minutes when available. (conf 0.6)

Resilience

Injury reliability48

History of significant injury setbacks including ACL and other layoffs. (conf 0.6)

Outlook

Potential52

Mid-30s trajectory means limited remaining upside beyond current level. (conf 0.55)

Reputation62

Recognized Ligue 1 and former Bundesliga centre-back with France squad recognition. (conf 0.6)

Quick navigation

No roster-based suggestions yet.

Compare Moussa Niakhaté with…

Scouting Report & Player Insights

Moussa Niakhaté is a physically imposing centre-back known for his aerial dominance, ground-duel strength, and no-nonsense defending, currently at Lyon in Ligue 1 after spells with Mainz and Nottingham Forest. His game is built on power and recovery pace rather than progressive passing or ball-carrying, making him best suited to a defense that values duels and clearances over sweeper-keeper style distribution. Injury history has interrupted his career at points, but when fit he remains a reliable top-flight starter.

Established himself in the Bundesliga with Mainz before moving to the Premier League.

Moved to Nottingham Forest following their Premier League promotion.

Has been called into senior France or Senegal international conversations during his career.

Comments