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Defender finding life tough …but keep the faith

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By CandH blogger Allen Cummings

One of the biggest mysteries of the season so far, and  there have been more than a few, is what’s happened to Issa Diop?

Obviously he hasn’t disappeared, gone missing without trace, Marco Boogers style. But his form has certainly deserted him and us this season. He’s become just a shadow of the talented young footballer who first arrived on the West Ham scene at the beginning of last season.

When Manuel Pellegrini paid what was then our record transfer fee of £23m for the young defender from Toulouse, most of us were left scratching our heads at who he was. We soon found out – and we loved what we saw. A 6’4” gangling but pacey, athletic and committed defender, with bags of energy and enthusiasm. Just what we needed.

Fast forward to this season and Diop has been a shadow of his former self. Hesitant in decision-making, uncertain in his tackling, poor with his distribution and seemingly all over the place in his communication with fellow defenders.

His error for Brighton’s second goal was a perfect example of the indecision that’s engulfed his game. So has Issa Diop suddenly become a bad player? Another Pellegrini big money flop? Some supporters seem to suggest “yes” but t I certainly don’t agree.

Sometimes I believe we are too quick to criticise, too hasty in jumping on someone’s back rather than looking for the reasons for the problem.

Issa is still a relatively young player – he was just 23 in January. His Premier League experience is still limited. The pressure of this league, and especially the pressure of playing in an important position, for a team going through a traumatic time, where your every move is under scrutiny, is immense.

Clearly Issa is finding all that extremely difficult to handle. This game is all about confidence. When that’s at a low ebb, even the best and most experienced players can struggle.

Last season he leaned heavily on the experience of Fabian Balbuena. The General has had his own problems this term, so Diop has had to forge a new partnership with Angelo Ogbonna. That clearly has some way to go.

A strong defensive spine is vital to any team. There’s a suggestion for maybe switching Declan Rice to a role alongside Angelo, at Issa’s expense. Personally I feel that would be a mistake.

We need to stick with Diop and keep Declan where he has been and will continue to be most influential. Diop cost £23m for a reason – he was young, talented with bags of potential. He was an investment for the future.

I seem to remember Jose Mourinho singling him out for exceptional praise after our 3-1 demolition of his Manchester United last season. The Spuds were reported to be ready to table a £50m bid for him last summer to replace Toby Alderweireld.

I recall that news meeting with uproar from West Ham fans accusing the club of being prepared to sell their biggest assets. I believe Issa Diop is still an asset we need to keep.

It’s no guide to quality I know, but Issa is regularly one of the last players to leave the field at the London Stadium, win, lose or draw. He’s happy to circle the pitch to show his appreciation to the fans.

He clearly feels connected to us and the club, ppreciates our support, even in the toughest of times. I firmly believe we should continue to support him in the same way. He’s quality and will come good again – of that I feel certain.

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

10 comments

  • GaryD says:

    I think Diop needs to play with a supportive, experienced centre back as a partner and mentor.
    Beginning to believe Ogbonna is not a team player, strong by himself but no other defender can play next to him.
    What exactly tipped MN over the top a few weeks ago?

  • Diamond Geezer says:

    As someone much smarter than me (Bill Shankly, I believe) once said “.

    Monsieur Diop is class.

  • West Ham Fan No 32 says:

    I like Diop, the goal against Brighton was unfortunate, Masuaku was to blame imho, he put the ball in a perfect place for indecision, Issa made a bad choice but he was between a rock and a hard place because the ball should have been cleared, sometimes they’re the breaks what can you say. It’s been one of those seasons we are certainly due some good fortune and hopefully we will find enough between now and the end of the season COYI!!!

  • Tarquin says:

    Found this blog a month of so ago and recently started posting, and I have to say I like it, although it could do with more comments. I’m not sure the moderation helps as I notice the other sites KUMB and WHTID don’t., anyone know why?

    I also notice somewhat worryingly notice that WHTID is currently crowdfunding for a £5000 super website and would hate to think this place will be get left behind – perhaps C&H should be doing the same? I’d certainly love to get the ball rolling with £20

  • zahama says:

    Hi Allen

    Good post from you as usual – hopefully with the new coaching team Issa will get back to his best form – and help us keep a few clean sheets

    I am always disappointed when the fans turn on a player who had previously done well and who still shows a good attitude (unlike Arnie)

  • Che says:

    Roberto is a flop
    Sanchez is a flop

    Yarmolenko and wilshere are expensive crocks. (Also flops)

    Diop is neither, bags of potential. As mentioned is not the only player having a bit of mare this season.

  • Tommyhammer says:

    I dont think people have turned on him have they? Hes had some mistakes and looked a shadow from last season, but they all have!

    He’s a top young player, good attitude and will definitely improve.

    • Graham Watts says:

      Absolutely right, all the negativity around the club is more likely to affect younger players. Keep the faith!

    • Allen says:

      As I said in the blog we can be pretty unforgiving sometimes Tommy. I’ve heard people around me being less that charitable about Issa. But glad you believe, as I do, he’s an important asset to us now and will be in the future.

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