Old familiar problems came back to haunt one of West Ham united’s World Cup contingent yesterday as Norway ran out winners against El Hadji- Malick Diouf’s Senegal. The Irons’ left back has been promoted as a sure-fire candidate for a sale this summer and indeed, his attacking flair and booming left foot gave him a record number of Premier League assists last season but West Ham fans know he is far from the finished article.
Far from the finished article but Malick Diouf will improve in the next couple of seasons
Senegal went down 3- 2 to Norway with one-time Hammers attacker target Alexander Sorloth being Diouf’s tormentor in chief, according to wiwsport.com:
“EL HADJI MALICK DIOUF (3/10): Yet well in place most of the time against the French wingers during the first match, the Lions’ left-back had all the trouble in containing Sorloth tonight. The Atletico Madrid striker often managed to pierce him to find a (team mate), like this action in the 14th minute or on this missed intervention in front of Sorloth himself (20th). He didn’t bring much offensively. Replaced in the 54th minute…”
Diouf’s defensive frailties were frequently exposed in the Premier League last season but at just 21 years old the Senegalese has much to learn after one season in the top tier. One who has so far not lived upto a big money price tag, Diouf on this level of performance may not get the big move t0 a top six side to which he alluded frequently last season.
Cleary what he needs is a decent coach to work with him and build on his booming left foot and sort out his situational awareness: He has the physique to combat most forwards but as yet hasn’t developed the nous. Whether he’ll get that in a frenetic Championship campaign next season is highly doubtful so you’;d still expect him to be pushing for a move away this summer.
As it stands, his Senegal side are underperforming and with two successive defeats now need to beat Iraq in their last group game to stand any chance of proceeding deeper into the tournament,.
So he’s played one full season in a non top five European league, one full season in a relegated Premier league team and we think he will push for another move? To where, for his development a tough Championship season will do him no harm whatsoever. Hopefully he’ll then be able to cope with another shot at the
‘ big time ‘.