El Hadji Malick Diouf: Stats behind West Ham star's display vs Saudi Arabia as suitors circle
El Hadji Malick Diouf is among the West Ham United talents being tipped for a move back to the Premier League this summer.
The left-back arrived from Slavia Prague last summer and enjoyed a positive first season in England, despite his team's struggles.
The Hammers will hope to convince the 21-year-old that his future can spare one season in the second tier, but they may struggle.
Diouf's World Cup campaign with Senegal will kick off against France next week, and strong displays will only further intensify the interest in him.
The West Ham defender played a part in his nation's final warm-up on Wednesday, as they drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia.
It will go down as a clean sheet for the 21-year-old, with the only moment of note coming when Nicolas Jackson was sent off in the final minutes.
El Hadji Malick Diouf's stats vs Saudi Arabia
Everton have been mentioned among the teams most interested in Diouf, but there is bound to be plenty of suitors for the young defender.
The 21-year-old has had defensive lapses in concentration and certainly does not arrive as the finished product, but for a young left-back, he is hugely impressive.
His crossing may well be the most eye-catching part of his game, and it was on full show straight away when he had three Premier League assists after just five appearances.
West Ham could not capitalise throughout the season, but strikers like Thierno Barry and Beto would be licking their lips at the sight of Diouf's delivery.
The Senegal international featured for just 45 minutes on Wednesday, but created a chance and completed a successful dribble in that time.
It was not a vintage display from Diouf, who also registered a clearance, a recovery and was not dribbled past once.
But it was the type of solidity that West Ham fans have come to expect, and the type that may earn him a big move this summer.
Diouf's comments will cause concern
West Ham will be aware that asking any of their players to spend a year in the second tier is to ask them to take a risk.
Should the likes of Diouf stay put this summer and not come straight back up with the Hammers, they could miss out on their chance to secure a different Premier League move.
There appears to be little doubt about the left-back's view, considering that he seemed to already be planning his exit back in November.
"Ideally, I see myself at a top club, among the five best in the world," he said. "I think I have the potential to get there through hard work.
"And I hope, God willing, to achieve that. I’ve only been playing professionally for two years, so I’m remaining patient.”