There was a time when Boulaye Dia had to work long hours just to pay the bills. Playing the game that he loves had to take the back seat. In those days, top-level football must have felt like another world for the French-born forward. But tonight he’ll play against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage. It’s been a trip.The Senegal international, fresh from the successful expedition to Cameroon, told Marca about his modest beginnings in football.”It’s been a long and complicated process to get here. There were many attempts to get into football when I was young, but quite a few clubs rejected me. For a while, I’ve had to give up football. I’ve had to help my family and earn some money – so I got a job as an electrician. But even then, I didn’t lose hope. My dream was to play football and I was determined to make it happen.”##EDITORS_CHOICE##Four years ago, Dia was playing in the French fourth division and wasn’t getting any money from football. But then he made a step up to the third tier with Jura Sud, where more scouts could watch him play. In his sole season in the third division, he bagged 15 goals in 21 games, prompting Ligue 1 team Stade Reims to take a chance on the then-21-year-old. It was to prove a masterstroke. After taking some time to adjust to the new level, Dia exploded at the start of last season when he scored eight goals in the eight opening Ligue 1 matchdays. All of the sudden, the young electrician transformer into a sought-after striker.”Everything was very fast. I ended up scoring 14 goals in the top flight and the offers came. I had the opportunity to make the leap to a team to grow, such as Villarreal. But even though it was very fast, I feel prepared. Perhaps my priority was the Premier League, but when the chance arrived to join Villarreal – I decided to take it.”Working with Unai Emery at El Madrigal is stimulating to the Senegal international as he continues to adapt to life and a different style of football in Spain.”Yes, Spanish football is different from French football and a period of adaptation was logical, but I have had the understanding of the coach, who has spoken to me a lot, has helped me and given me advice. He can speak to everyone in English, French, Spanish… When I went to the African Cup I was already at my best, with three goals in two games and some assists. After winning the title at the Africa Cup of Nations, I have a lot of positive energy and motivation to be at my best for Villareal.”Boulaye Dia #VillarrealCádiz pic.twitter.com/WYygcFJsAq— 📸 𝐓𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐳 𝐇𝐐 ⚽️ (@Foot_HQ_ball) October 26, 2021 The Yellow Submarine boasts several deadly attacking players in Gerard Moreno, Pablo Alcacer, Samuel Chukwueze and Arnaut Danjuma. The competition for places is fierce which can only be a good thing. Villareal would need everyone to be sharp for both legs of the Juventus tie.”I think we are going to be prepared for both legs. Going against defenders like Leonardo Bonucci or Matthijs De Ligt is going to be a challenge, but we are relishing it. You compete and learn at the same time. We want to win at home and take a good result to Turin.”Juve’s striker on a roll, Chelsea’s on a low – il Bianconeri and the Blues play their European fixturesBoth teams come into tonight’s match on the back of some fine form. The Yellow Submarine has got seven wins in their last ten league games, a run that’s seen them climb from mid-table to within a touching distance of the Champions League qualifying places.Juventus, meanwhile, have also recovered from a slow start in Serie A to break into the top four. However, their draw with city rivals Torino on Friday cost them dearly. Defender Daniele Rugani was injured in the warm-up while enigmatic forward Paulo Dybala limped off in the second half. Although neither player has suffered long-term injuries, both have been ruled out of the trip to Villareal and joined Giorgio Chiellini, Federico Bernardeschi and Federico Chiesa on the treatment table.It’s the UEFA Champions League knockout stage. It’s time for some more shocks. But, thanks to Boulaye Dia, they won’t be electrical.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE1/8 finalsTuesday23:00: (1.32) Chelsea (5.40) Lille (12.0)23:00: (2.70) Villareal (3.05) Juventus (3.05)Wednesday23:00: (4.20) Benfica (3.70) Ajax (1.92)23:00: (2.65) Atl.Madrid (3.05) Man.Utd. (3.05)***odds are subject to change
