Issa Diop handed West Ham career lifeline amid ‘incredible’ verdict – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested Issa Diop could be offered a West Ham lifeline after Kurt Zouma’s potentially season-ending injury.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, backed the 25-year-old to show David Moyes his character despite “speculation” about his future.
Diop started alongside Craig Dawson as West Ham won 3-0 in France to claim a 4-1 aggregate win over Lyon – and advance to the Europa League semi-finals.
According to L’Equipe, via Get Football News France (31 March), Lyon are interested in bolstering their centre-half options with the addition of the Irons defender this summer.
According to The Guardian (13 April), Zouma could be out for the remainder of the season after initial scans on an ankle injury sustained against Brentford on 10 April.
Whelan called on Diop to replicate his performance at the Stade des Lumieres during the rest of this term.
He told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge: “This is why you have a squad.
“You can never say never in football, there’s always another opportunity.
“Kurt Zouma has been ruled out, and he’s got the chance to step in.
“For me, it’s incredible. If his mind is in the right place, he can show the type of character you want from a player.
“Yes, it’s not been a smooth ride since Zouma came in. Yes, there’s been speculation.
“But if he can put in performances like last night, then that’s what it’s all about.
“Pablo Fornals described this West Ham team as a family – and that’s exactly what it is.
“They’re all fighting for one another and striving to move in the right direction.”
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