Rassoul Ndiaye is back with the Senegal national team after a lengthy absence, having been included in the squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Le Havre AC midfielder said he was delighted to return to the national set-up and had already settled well into the group. Senegal are preparing for their opening qualifying fixture against Mozambique, with Ndiaye also keen to benefit from working under new head coach Patrick Vieira.
Ndiaye made his Senegal debut under Aliou Cisse but had not been called up since. He said his return had brought “good feelings” and that the squad was in a positive frame of mind as it prepared for the first round of matches.
“There is a good spirit within the team,” Ndiaye told FSF TV. “There are new faces, along with players who are returning, so we will have to build that connection very quickly.
“Yes, the coach introduced himself, although we all know him. Now, we will have to listen carefully to what he wants and what he wants to do with this team.”
The 24-year-old believes Vieira’s experience as a former midfielder can provide valuable guidance, not only for the players in his position but for the whole Senegal side.
Vieira played in a box-to-box role during his career, something Ndiaye feels makes him particularly well placed to help the team’s midfielders develop.
“The coach was one of the first to play in that box-to-box role, so there is a lot we can learn from him,” Ndiaye said. “He can help the midfielders, but also help the whole team to improve.
“I am a midfielder who likes to operate in both penalty areas, to defend and to attack. That is what I do at club level and I hope I can contribute that to this team.”
Senegal are currently in Maputo, where they are completing their preparations for the opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Lions of Teranga will face Mozambique on Friday 25 September.