Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 26 April 2026 10:56, UK

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El Hadji Malick Diouf was incredibly impressive for West Ham United as they beat Everton to stay narrowly above the relegation zone.

Callum Wilson scored the all-important goal, firing in Jarrod Bowen’s header back across to secure the three points in stoppage time.

Tomas Soucek put West Ham ahead after the break with a header from a corner, but two points appeared to have been dropped when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall capitalised on some poor defending to equalise.

Just minutes earlier, Tottenham had gone 1-0 up against Wolves to momentarily put them above the Irons on goal difference.

Diouf arrived from Slavia Prague last summer and has been key to West Ham’s best form this season.

El Hadji Malick Diouf is brilliant vs Everton

Former Hammers scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider in January that West Ham will struggle to keep Diouf this summer if they are relegated.

The 21-year-old initially caught the eye at the end of last season after impressing for Senegal in a friendly against England at the City Ground.

West Ham pursued the defender and eventually agreed a deal with Slavia Prague, reportedly worth £19million.

Diouf had three assists in his opening five Premier League games, raising eyebrows with his stunning ability to cross.

The assists have dried up since then, but he has continued to look like a superb piece of business for the Hammers.

He played a key role on Saturday, completing 83 per cent of his passes, three of his dribbles and creating an astonishing four chances for his teammates.

Diouf’s defensive work has often gone under the radar, but he was everywhere against Everton. Five tackles, three clearances and a massive seven recoveries.

It was the left-back’s brilliant cross to the back post in the game’s final moments, which allowed Bowen to head back across for Wilson to net the winner.

Diouf to attract Premier League interest

Diouf is among several West Ham players set to attract significant interest this summer if they are relegated.

The Hammers have a strong standing point when it comes to the left-back, who is under contract until 2023, but the will of the player is hard to ignore.

The 21-year-old may actually be among the players more likely to stay for a season in the Championship, but his opportunity to play in the Premier League may have come and gone by then.

Diouf certainly has the ability to perform in the top flight, and any team would be grateful to have his ability to cross in their arsenal.