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I’m having a hard time not predicting Grady Diangana to score

By Adam Smith

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Grady Diangana of West Ham United battles for possession with Steven Defour of Burnley during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Burnley FC at London Stadium on November 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Grady Diangana of West Ham United battles for possession with Steven Defour of Burnley during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Burnley FC at London Stadium on November 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images) /
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Grady Diangana’s rise to Premier League status has been fast and meteoric. As the West Ham attack seems to be clicking I am having a hard time not predicting Diangana to score, especially with a trip to Huddersfield town on the docket this weekend.

He passes the eye test. The typical Premier League player who is a physical beasts blasting their way around the pitch is gone and in its place are quick, technical players who bring swagger and style to the pitch has emerged. Diangana has the hair of a superstar and the speed to kill. Mix that with an impressive ability to pass the ball and you’ve got yourself an interesting player.

Outside of looks, West Ham’s formation could also benefit the youngster. Manuel Pellegrini is playing in a constant formation that suits his winger’s skill set perfectly. The 4-3-3 formation sees Diangana line up in the right wing position with Arnautovic central to him, Snodgrass behind him in the midfield, and Pablo Zabaleta overlapping with him.

It was clear that in Mark Noble’s absence Zabaleta is the leader on the pitch and having that experience and reassurance behind Diangana is invaluable to his growth. Snodgrass was also able to be heard on the pitch encouraging Diangana to take on his marker at the edge of the box. Diangana would take that advice and use it all game, as he took on six players which was more than any single player in a match this season.

The fast-paced play style West Ham’s attack is getting used to suits Diangana well. He was noted as a momentum player that, if things aren’t going well for, could disappear on the pitch so he needs to take advantage of his opportunities when he gets them. As an academy graduate who has only started a handful of Premier League games, those opportunities are now.

With Marko Arnautovic and Felipe Anderson drawing the majority of the defensive coverage Diangana should take the chances provided to him to announce himself before the book gets out on him. He has quick burst speed, great vision, and tricky feet which he uses to cut inside and get to the dangerous positions of the pitch.

Next. Why West Ham v Huddersfield could have more goals than you think. dark

Huddersfield Town are next up for West Ham and although they collected their first win of the season, a 1-0 win over Fulham, last week, they have issues with transitioning the ball from defense to offense and will cede the majority of possession to the Hammers. I can’t see why it wouldn’t happen now so I am fully predicting a Premier League first goal for West Ham’s new right winger.