Alan Shearer has admitted that he was impressed by West Ham defender Issa Diop as Newcastle United lost 3-0 to the Hammers at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
Diop, 21, became West Ham’s record signing in the summer transfer window until Manuel Pellegrini splashed the cash on Felipe Anderson, and the French centre-back has done nothing but impress those who have seen him play.
Magpies legend Shearer was left raving about the ex-Toulouse defender after the game when asked for his thoughts about him.
“Very good again,” said Shearer via his personal Twitter account in instant reaction to the full-time result.
Very good again. https://t.co/4Uw3JTjgXr
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) December 1, 2018
OPINION
Diop has been quality for West Ham this season and he has continued to impress. He is only 21-years-old and it won’t be long before one of the bigger teams in the Premier League – or in the Champions League – comes calling because the player has huge potential. West Ham did very well to snap him up in the summer and Pellegrini’s decision to play him in regularly will only benefit his development. Across all competitions this term, Diop has made 15 appearances and even scored his first goal in England in the Carabao Cup win against AFC Wimbledon in August. It would be a good idea to start thinking about a new deal for the French youngster just to halt the inevitable interest in signing him, but it could be hard if top clubs come calling. If Diop continues to play well then it is great news for the Hammers but could also result in a bittersweet ending. Even the most hardened of West Ham fan must admit that a player of his potential could easily move elsewhere in the future.