Moyes’ Diop explanation begs big questions
The 24-year-old has hardly played since catching COVID at the same time as David Moyes and Josh Cullen and losing his starting place.
That happened when West Ham received test results shortly before the start of their Carabao Cup third-round match against Hull on a Tuesday evening in late September last year.
Since then he has made just two appearances totalling 117 minutes on the pitch.
He made no appearances in October with a substitute role against Fulham in November when he came on as a 63d minute replacement.
His one start came in December against Crystal Palace but there have been a couple of games where he has not even made the match day squad leading to speculation he is fallen our favour and could be off this winter.
Moyes insists this is not the case telling reporters he has no intention of selling Diop despite the player falling down the defensive pecking order.
“I’ve got no intention in letting any players go,” said Moyes. “Issa’s one of the players we really like.
“He started in the team, he picked up the virus at the same time as I did. Fabian Balbuena has come in and played very well, you know that’s what happens in football. But we’ve got no intention whatsoever letting Issa go. None.”
That all sounds pretty emphatic but begs one big question – how come 30 year Craig Dawson, well though he has played, be selected ahead of a £20 million 22 year old when Balbuena is rested?
I see no real answer in the manager’s comments particularly in view of him regularly claiming he wants a YOUNG and energetic West Ham,
In recent weeks Issa has been linked in reports to a move with Liverpool, Spurs, Manchester United and even Chelsea but it difficult to imagine that when he can’t get into the Hammers first eleven.