West Ham signed player after what scouts saw him do to Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka
West Ham have invested heavily in the transfer window, having spent around £124million as they look to improve on last season’s 14th-placed finish.
Graham Potter has specifically highlighted the need to bring in more defenders, which was proven to be needed after West Ham conceded eight goals in their first two games, before beating Nottingham Forest 3-0.
West Ham’s sale of Nayef Aguerd on deadline day reinforced the fact that defenders were a priority for the Irons throughout the whole window, with Kurt Zouma, Vladimir Coufal and Emerson Palmieri also departing the club.
Despite West Ham beating Nottingham Forest 3-0, Potter is still under pressure, and he needs his new signings to start performing to the ability that he believes.
One particular addition has impressed so far, and West Ham were keen on the player following a brilliant display against Bukayo Saka.
El Hadji Malick Diouf’s performance for Senegal left West Ham impressed
Senegal beat England 3-1 in June, with Diouf nullifying Bukayo Saka’s threat throughout the match.
An article by The Athletic states that Potter was immediately impressed by the 20-year-old, and they felt it was crucial for the club to secure the young talent as soon as possible.
Diouf joined West Ham for £19m from Slavia Prague and has been one of West Ham’s bright sparks at the start of the season.
In West Ham’s 3-0 loss to Sunderland, Diouf was a standout, and he excelled in West ham’s following two matches.
- Provides assist for Lucas Paqueta’s goal in the 5-1 loss to Chelsea
- Provides assist for Callum Wilson’s header in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest
Diouf is a marauding full-back with heaps of energy, and his speed highlights just how athletic he is.
As the starting left-back, he has adapted to the responsibility placed upon him, and can only improve as he gains more Premier League experience.
- Read more: West Ham and Sunderland surprise emerges over Senne Lammens to Manchester United transfer
Ollie Scarles to learn from already experienced El Hadji Malick Diouf
Despite only being 20, Diouf is now a Premier League starter and a starter for his national team.
His understudy at left-back will be the talented Ollie Scarles, who was excellent when called upon last season.
His performance during West Ham’s 1-0 win over Arsenal at The Emirates in February was so calm for a player who is just 19-years-old.
West Ham fans should feel confident knowing that they have two brilliant youngsters in the left-back position.
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