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West Ham Player Spotlight on Issa Diop

By Jeremiah Carson

KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Issa Diop of West Ham United during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between AFC Wimbledon and West Ham United at The Cherry Red Records Stadium on August 28, 2018 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND - AUGUST 28: Issa Diop of West Ham United during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between AFC Wimbledon and West Ham United at The Cherry Red Records Stadium on August 28, 2018 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Whilst he is no longer West Ham’s record signing, there was a lot of pressure on Diop coming into the season. Was Pellegrini’s faith worth it?

There is no secret that we here at The Green Street Hammers love us some Issa Diop. There is also no secret that a lot of pundits from around the fan sites have started calling him out for his cost and for his lacklustre play so far.  With that being said, in yesterday’s League Cup match against AFC Wimbledon Diop had a coming out party leaded us to our West Ham player spotlight on Issa Diop.

Not to spend a lot of time on the recap of the game but it was most definitely a tale of two halves.  If you were looking for a defensive review on Issa Diop there wasn’t much to talk about besides the first half. The goal from the opposition after 2 minutes sent a shock in most fans and noticeably it woke up the defence.

In my opinion Diop played a solid game as one of two Center Backs and he played the ball on well to try to push the play up field. He performed well playing in the “High Line” style and it showed. Giving absolutely no disrespect to AFC Wimbledon, who played solid being down a man, Issa Diop looked like the player that we signed for over 20 million pounds.

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Offensively

It’s always good when we can talk about the offensive side of a defender. Issa Diop is for all intents and purposes a true defender. However, in 41 appearances last season in the French League One he scored 3 goals. That is one goal in about every 13 matches, not bad numbers for a defensive midfielder let alone a centre back. So you have to say I was shocked when he smoked one in from outside of the box to even the game in the second half.

His goal didn’t look like a shot from a centre back, it looked more like something KDB would’ve lined up playing for Manchester City. In addition to that, he played well up and past the half way line keeping the pressure consistently on AFC Wimbledon. His ability to manage roles is something that counterpart Ogbonna has not does very well this season.

Next. Match Review of Hammers first win. dark

Looking Ahead

For any of us that have played, we know that the fan base can sometimes have a direct impact on how you play. Premier League players are no different and I am confident to say that with his performance especially in the second half must have given him confidence moving forward.  Since he is all of 21 years old you have to believe he will be more motivated or discouraged by the fans then someone with years of experience.

We can only hope that this will not only propel his play but the play of the rest of the squad moving forward with the tough schedule we have to come.  Up next, Wolves.  Until next time Hammers and Hammerettes, COME ON YOU IRONS!