Liverpool star Sadio Mane has singled out Boulaye Dia for praise after the Stade de Reims forward's electric start to the Ligue 1 Uber Eats campaign.
Dia, who only signed his first professional contract aged 21, has been a revelation in the French top-flight this season, with only Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappé outdoing his eight goals scored after 11 rounds of matches.
Born in Oyonnax in eastern France, Dia made his Senegal debut last October, and Mane, who had hitherto been unaware of his compatriot, has been following his progress since.
"I didn't know him before," he explained to French news outlet Foot Sur7. "But since the start of the season I started to follow him, and I'm really impressed by his qualities. I think he won't stay at Reims forever, believe me!"
Watch: Dia scores a hat-trick in Reims' 4-0 win at Montpellier Hérault SC
Mane began his own career in France with FC Metz before moving onto Red Bull Salzburg, Southampton and then Liverpool. Dia recently reiterated his loyalty to Reims, but his form for a side in 17th has understandably attracted admiring glances.
Dia will next have the chance to add to his eight-goal haul on Sunday when Reims head to the Groupama Stadium to take on Olympique Lyonnais.
