West Bromwich Albion boss Slaven Bilic has backed Manuel Pellegrini in suggesting Grady Diangana would benefit from completing the season at The Hawthorns. According to a report earlier this week West Ham United were considering recalling the 21-year-old but that now appears unlikely.
Speaking to the press ahead of Albion’s trip to Hull City Bilic said: “Of course – Pellegrini is a great manager, he’s done everything.
“I really think that for us, for West Ham and for Grady, it’ll best for him to stay and to grow up as a player.
“Grady is nowhere near the finished article. He’s a young player who is enjoying it.
“It’s his first season where he’s an important part of the team that is fighting for something.
“I’m not only talking about the pressure and everything, it’s also off the pitch. It’s great for him. He’s on a great path, he’s enjoying every game.
“He’s raising his game, he’s growing and it would, for me, not be good for him and also for West Ham long term – and for us, of course – to stop that process.
TIF Tactics – Diangana has been a revelation
Grady Diangana has been a revelation for West Brom this season. In 13 appearances the West Ham loanee has scored four goals and registered five assists.
The tricky winger, valued at £4.5m according to Transfermarkt, has performed at a high level all season – averaging a performance rating of 7.3/10 according to WhoScored.com.
Indeed, the 21-year-old has been impressive for the Baggies in the Championship as he looks to develop his game to a good standard. Diangana has managed to achieve an average of 1.5 shots per game, provides 1.8 key passes per match and completes a spectacular 2.4 dribbles over 90 minutes (WhoScored.com).
In the long-term, allowing the winger to remain at Albion and develop under the stewardship of Bilic should benefit West Ham and the player in the future.
Both managers despite being under pressure to deliver results clearly have the players best interests at heart.