Rising Star: Dilane Bakwa – Strasbourg’s Talented Winger

Dilane Bakwa has quickly become a key player for Strasbourg since joining the club in the BlueCo era. The young right-winger has impressed with his consistent performances, playing in almost every minute of the team’s matches this season. Despite Strasbourg’s average performance overall, Bakwa has contributed significantly with two goals and five assists.

Bakwa’s football journey began at Bordeaux’s youth academy. He made his first-team debut shortly after turning 18, coming off the bench in a goalless draw against Nice. After limited opportunities in the following season, Bakwa’s breakthrough came when Bordeaux was relegated to Ligue 2. In the 2022-2023 season, he showcased his versatility as a winger, scoring five goals and providing eight assists, helping Bordeaux secure a third-place finish.

Financial difficulties at Bordeaux led to Bakwa’s transfer to Strasbourg in the summer of 2023, along with midfielder Junior Mwanga, in a combined deal worth €20 million. This move allowed Bakwa to continue his development in a more stable environment.

Bakwa’s Playing Style and Potential

Bakwa is primarily a creative winger with a left-footed preference. His style is reminiscent of Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski, as he often cuts inside to create opportunities for his teammates. However, Bakwa possesses more explosive pace, allowing him to beat defenders when needed. His creative prowess is evident in his impressive 4.62 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, placing him among the top 25% of wingers in Europe’s major leagues.

Currently valued between €10-15 million, Bakwa could be an attractive option for clubs seeking creative talent. However, given Strasbourg’s ambitious plans and the potential pathway to Chelsea (due to the BlueCo connection), it’s likely that Bakwa will remain with the French club for the foreseeable future. The club’s ownership, led by Behdad Eghbali, has shown a commitment to retaining young talent, as seen with player Ismaël Doukouré.

While immediate prospects of playing for Chelsea may be limited due to their competitive forward line, Bakwa’s development at Strasbourg continues to be closely watched. As one of the most promising players in the youthful Strasbourg squad, his progress will be crucial for both his current club and potential future opportunities.