Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay may already be yesterday’s business at West Ham, following what was the worst record of any permanent Hammers manager in history.
But the pair may have left behind a parting gift that could benefit the club for years to come. Late last night, a former West Ham defender described El Hadji Malick Diouf to me as an “absolute monster.”
Monster? Magic Diouf gets to grips with Iliman Ndiaye
It’s worth remembering that the Senegalese youngster joined West Ham as a wing-back to play in Potter’s favoured 3-4-3 system. Yet in recent weeks he’s been forced to slot in at full-back, where he’s remained a constant attacking threat with his pinpoint crossing.
West Ham gem learning on the job
Against Everton he started poorly—just as many of his teammates did—and was tested heavily by their pressing game. At one point, I was genuinely concerned. But by the end of the match, Diouf was the best player on the pitch, and the Toffee’s simply couldn’t contain him.
His growing partnership with Crysencio Summerville promises to be a real headache for opposition managers. For too long West Ham have been unbalanced, attacking almost exclusively down the right with Jarrod Bowen. Now, rival coaches will have to plan for a double threat on the left—and I can’t wait to see more.
Bowen is already taking advantage of Diouf’s pinpoint crossing
It’s easy to forget that Diouf is still only 20 years old. Yet he already has the physicality of a seasoned pro and is improving defensively with every game. From an attacking perspective, his athleticism, strong running and outstanding crossing ability make him a nightmare to defend against. He’ll rack up assists in the Premier League this season because he’s simply that good.
And with Nuno Espirito Santo now organising West Ham’s back line, don’t be surprised if Diouf soon becomes a must-have in Fantasy Football.
So thanks, Potter and Macaulay—your first signing of the summer may well turn out to be your best. Mr Salthouse has his work cut out to top this one in future windows.
There was no AWB yesterday so seems the injury may be genuine, Diouf scared the life out of Everton he has real pace, was surprised they took Summerville off he looked our most dangerous player. Was definitely a good bounce to the tough week well played team !!!
Pedantic comment from someone with a “bee in his bonnet” (no reflection on the comments in the post); the plural ie “Toffees” does not take apostrophe S. That is reserved for talking about something that belongs to a “Toffee”. Otherwise, agree with your comments, as usual.
I hope mcaulay stays very important for our club.
Great point
Diouf was superb as was most of the team.
Paqueta if you are reading this you should be ashamed of your reaction,yes it was a foul but no contact was made t your face.It was a embarrassing watch to see the replay and you need to get all the silly play acting out of your game. You need to be stronger in the tackles and not loose the ball so easily.
Well done boys
Come on you Irons
Agree with you about Paqueta, Sue. He’s a total embarrassment when he plays up like a cheating schoolboy and should be ashamed of himself. He’s a Brazil international, for god’s sake! I hope Nuno reprimands him for that behaviour.
Gonzo
I think you give them too much credit. It was not a case that they scoured Africa watching matches. He was the stand out player in the recent England v Senegal game at Wembley.
Perhaps if they had spent the summer scouring Africa they would have found a striker under 30
Good comment, Gonzo. However I believe Summerville was the Hammers player of the match. Diouf certainly deserved an award as well. You mentioned Salthouse but won’t Nuno get his way and use his previous agent (sorry, name escapes me right now)?
Jorge Mendes….yep that’ll be a fascinating clash of “super agents”!!
It’s what I was hoping Macauley would stay Gonzo. Actually having a recruitment department focussing on unearthing players for the club on a consistent basis. Magassa looked ok for his first game as well. Good young players who will have a profitable sell on value or even stay long term and become Hammers legends should be 80% of our signings with a bit of experience brought in here and there.