The league’s current top goalscorer, Mbaye Diagne, is aiming for the highly-coveted European Golden Shoe this season.
Kasimpasa striker Mbaye Diagne is undoubtedly the break-out star of the first half of the season. The Senegal international has scored 16 goals in 14 games and is showing no signs of slowing down.
His consistent form has propelled his team to second place in the Super Lig, a rare feat for the small Istanbul-based club.
When asked about his form, he revealed he has his eyes on the European Golden Shoe award. Last season, it went to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who bagged 32 goals in the 2017-18 season. The Senegalese star says he has faith he can achieve it.
His most recent performances have seen him receive plenty of praise from pundits in Turkey after his two goals rescued a point for his team in a 2-2 draw against Turkish giants Fenerbahce earlier this week.
Speaking to reporters, Diagne talked about his ambitions.
“I think everything is possible. We have many matches to play and it is too early to speak about it but if I can keep up the performance I have, I believe it is possible,” he said about the possibility of winning the Golden Shoe.
Diagne says he also wants to make Kasimpasa “happy” this season despite constant speculation surrounding his future.
“Of course I want to play for a big team, be it in Turkey or Europe. I want to advance my career but I will assess any offer if it is to the interest of Kasimpasa,” he said about his future plans.
He said he is uncertain of where his future lies when asked about a possible transfer.
“For my career, it is important I play in big leagues but this is not something I can decide on my own. Only God can decide what will happen next, where I will be next season,” he said.
He also praised Mustafa Denizli, the Turkish coach who took the helm at Kasimpasa in October.
“He is experienced and very helpful, especially to younger players. We are lucky to have him,” he said.
On his role models, Diagne saids he doesn’t have any “idol” but he looks up to Ivorian international Didier Drogba, who recently retired from professional football after an illustrious career, Cameroonian international Samuel Eto’o and fellow Senegalese El-Hadji Diouf.
Diagne’s performance this season also earned him a spot with the Senegalese national team which he says is “a great honor.” He donned the jersey for his homeland in three matches and says it is “a dream come true.”