Premier League

Diop on way to becoming colossus for West Ham

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Image for Diop on way to becoming colossus for West Ham

OPINION

West Ham fell to a disappointing 1-0 loss to bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Saturday, but there were some big positives to take away for the Irons.

They will feel hard done by to come away with nothing as they pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing ten minutes, and showed brilliant defensive solidity throughout – barring the Tottenham goal.

One positive which stands out above all the rest is the performance of centre-back Issa Diop, who was an absolute rock at the back for the Hammers.

The £22million summer signing took his time to get into the starting XI, but ever since he was instated by Manuel Pellegrini he has not looked back, putting in solid display after solid display.

Saturday’s performance was likely his best one yet, with Diop going up against one of the best strikers in the world in Harry Kane and keeping him quiet for most of the 90 minutes.

The amount of times that the France youth international stood firm and pulled off a tackle or interception in the face of a swarm of Tottenham attackers was simply outstanding, and without him it would have been much worse for the Hammers.

Should Diop keep up this level of performance for West Ham, the club could well have unearthed a future legend in the 6ft 4in colossus [Transfermarkt].

Obviously this kind of form will attract bigger clubs, but as long as the Hammers keep progressing then there is no reason for Diop to move on – after all, he is just 21 years old.

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