Strasbourg is enjoying a resurgence, and much of that is down to the form of Diego Moreira. Two years after departing Lyon, the 21-year-old Belgian is thriving in Alsace, demonstrating a versatility and attacking threat that is quickly making him a key figure for Le Racing.
Moreira’s recent performances have been particularly noteworthy. A summer thigh injury initially disrupted his start to the season, delaying his return to the starting lineup after only two friendlies. Initially deployed in varying roles across both flanks, his form was inconsistent. However, in recent weeks, he has found a home on the right side, a position that hadn’t been consistently utilized for him by previous manager Liam Rosenior.
The shift in positioning has unlocked Moreira’s potential. He played as a right wing-back at Toulouse on , then transitioned to a winger in the 1-1 draw at Nice on , playing behind Abdoul Ouattara. Manager Gary O’Neil continued with this pairing in a dominant 6-0 win at Avranches on , where Moreira also found the back of the net. He followed that up with another goal against Metz on , earning him the Player of the Match award despite feeling under the weather.
The return of right-back Guéla Doué has further enhanced Moreira’s impact. The pair have developed a fluid understanding, capable of interchanging positions and creating attacking opportunities. Moreira has indicated that he and Doué can seamlessly swap roles, and he feels more comfortable playing in a higher, more attacking position. This freedom allows him to utilize his skills to greater effect.
Moreira’s attacking approach has evolved. He’s now operating more centrally, drifting inside onto his left foot, leaving the flank to Doué. This movement allows him to look for curling passes and shots, as evidenced by his assist for Martial Godo. His shot frequency has increased dramatically, attempting 10 shots in his last three matches compared to just five in the previous 13. Conversely, his crossing numbers have decreased, delivering only five crosses in those three games, down from 21 in the prior three.
This tactical shift highlights a clear intent to maximize Moreira’s goal-scoring threat. He even attempted an acrobatic second-half volley in a recent match against Lille, demonstrating his willingness to take risks and contribute offensively. His performance in the 4-1 win at Lille underscored his resurgence, solidifying his position as a vital component of Strasbourg’s attack.
Moreira’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Leaving Lyon two years ago, he faced the task of establishing himself at a new club. The initial injury setback this season threatened to derail his progress, but he has overcome that obstacle through hard work and adaptability. He appears to be approaching the level of performance that heralded his breakout season previously.
Strasbourg’s recent form has been impressive, and Moreira’s contributions have been central to their success. A 1-0 victory over Reims on , propelled them into a Champions League spot, with Ismaël Doukouré scoring the decisive goal. In that match, Moreira received a rating of 6, indicating a solid performance, while teammates Ismaël Doukouré (7), Abakar Sylla (7), and Valentín Barco (7) also impressed.
The upcoming match against Lyon on Sunday presents a unique opportunity for Moreira. Lyon will be without defender Mamadou Sarr, a product of Mezieu’s youth system, who supporters hoped would see more first-team action. Moreira’s ability to exploit the space left by Sarr’s absence could be crucial for Strasbourg. The game will be a test of Strasbourg’s Champions League credentials and a chance for Moreira to further demonstrate his growing influence on the team.
Beyond the immediate fixture, Moreira’s development is a testament to Strasbourg’s commitment to nurturing young talent. His versatility, combined with his improved attacking output, makes him a valuable asset for the club. As he continues to refine his game, he has the potential to become a key player for Strasbourg for years to come, and perhaps even earn a return to a larger European stage.
The story of Diego Moreira is one of resilience, adaptation, and blossoming potential. From a challenging start to the season to a pivotal role in Strasbourg’s Champions League push, he has proven his worth and established himself as a player to watch.
