Malick Diouf is being watched closely, he proved why in West Ham draw vs Bournemouth
Premier League giants will be paying close attention to West Ham full back El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer.
The Senegal international only arrived at the London Stadium at the start of the season, but he could be on the move if the Hammers are relegated.
The 21-year-old has been a standout throughout the season for West Ham, despite their otherwise difficult campaign.
Diouf was in superb form yet again on Saturday, as his team were held to a goalless draw at the London Stadium by Bournemouth.
The Hammers had countless opportunities to claim a huge three points, but were forced to settle for just one.
Malick Diouf’s stunning stat line vs Bournemouth
West Ham spent just £19million to sign Diouf from Slavia Prague last summer, and they stand to at least double their money already.
The full-back had played further forward in the Czech top flight, and earned a reputation for his terrific ability going forward.
And that has been fully on show this season, too, with Diouf’s superb crossing earning him four assists so far.
| El Hadji Malick Diouf | Vs Bournemouth |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Big chances created | 1 |
| Tackles | 3 |
| Blocks | 1 |
| Clearances | 5 |
| Recoveries | 7 |
| Duels won | 13/17 |
He almost created the winner on Saturday when his brilliantly curled ball was flicked on by Callum Wilson, requiring Djordje Petrovic to save well.
It was his defensive work that earned plaudits, however. Diouf was up against the electric Rayan, who joined Bournemouth in January and has been a revelation.
But other than a driving run that saw the Brazilian strike the post, the West Ham left-back kept him fairly quiet.
Diouf made three tackles, five clearances, seven recoveries and won a massive 13 duels – more than any other player on the pitch.
West Ham will be desperate to keep Diouf
West Ham will be well aware that, should they go down, several of their players will have Premier League suitors.
The likes of Jarrod Bowen and Diouf will be widely sought after, and decision-makers will need to be firm in their valuation.
At just 21, the Senegal international could easily go on to become one of the Premier League’s very best if he continues to develop.
Chiefly, however, West Ham will be focused on staying in the Premier League and keeping hold of their diamond defender that way.
To read more about the Hammers and Diouf, check out what the experts are saying on West Ham Zone.