West Ham defender Issa Diop could be called up for international duty, but not for France, which he has represented at level single youth level. Instead, the 24-year-old could actually be chosen to represent Morroco and could represent them in their next matches against Mauritania and Burundi in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers.
The news has come as a surprise after all Diop’s allegiance was with France. Not so long ago, the defender was touted to become a regular in the Les Bleus. However, after a poor 2019/20 season, he must have dropped out of contention. Les Bleus has an incredible depth of talent, and stars like Dayot Upamecano (RB Leipzig) and Presnel Kimpembe (PSG) are still young themselves.
This season started in a frustrating manner for Diop. The defender was first-choice with Angelo Ogbonna, but after a positive covid-19 test, he dropped out of the team. Once recovered from his prognosis, Diop found it hard to break back into the team due to Fabian Balbuena and Craig Dawson‘s good form. It has only been an injury to Ogbonna that has allowed Diop a chance again.
West Ham defender Issa Diop could follow in the footsteps of Sebastien Haller by changing his international allegiance away from France.
Diop could still team up with some very talented players despite Morroco’s lower international ranking than France. Players like Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea), Achraf Hakimi (Inter Milan) and interestingly enough Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla) would be some of Diop’s teammates. En-Nesyri was linked with a move to West Ham in January and could be a potential target when the transfer window reopens.
The defender is currently in the process of saving his West Ham career. Diop was linked with multiple exits over the last year but has started to find that form that was so impressive when he first arrived. With the chance to further improve on the international stage, Diop could turn back into that ‘Monster’, Jose Mourinho labelled him.
This would only be good news for David Moyes and West Ham. With Fabian Balbuena likely to leave the club and Angelo Ogbonna not getting any younger, there will be plenty of chances for Diop establish himself as the club’s best defender. It remains to be seen if Diop will be turning out for the Atlas Lions for now. But the signs that Diop is moving back in the right direction are there.