West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf looks down
El Hadji Malick Diouf is set to leave West HamImago

El Hadji Malick Diouf's full stats emerge from Senegal vs France display as West Ham whispers intensify

Evan Lloyd

Correspondent AUTHORITY NCTJ-qualified football journalist with experience at VAVEL, Hayters TV, SPORTbible, and Centredevils. FOCUS Premier League analysis, tactical deep-dives, and original opinion content across Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Celtic. THE INSIGHT Evan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides specialist tactical and analytical content to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and understand the full picture.

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El Hadji Malick Diouf is expected to leave West Ham United this summer along with several other players.

The 21-year-old joined the Hammers from Slavia Prague last summer in a deal worth around £20million, and caught the eye in his early months at the club.

But he, as well as several other players, struggled as the season drew on and was unable to avoid relegation at the end of the campaign.

Diouf has reportedly attracted interest from Everton and several other clubs this summer, with his presence at the World Cup likely to attract other suitors, too.

The left-back played the full game as Senegal lost 3-1 to France on Tuesday, with Ibrahim Mbaye's goal proving a consolation to Kylian Mbappe's brace and Bradley Barcola's strike.

The 21-year-old had his moments, however, and likely should have walked away from the game with an assist.

El Hadji Malik Diouf's stats vs France

What immediately stood out about Diouf in his opening weeks in a West Ham shirt were his crosses.

After just five Premier League appearances, the 21-year-old already had three assists and was capable of whipping in stunning balls.

The assists dried up for Diouf as the season progressed, and other aspects of his game drew more negative attention, but that ability has not gone anywhere.

It was on full display on Tuesday, with Diouf threatening with a superb cross early on that needed to be cleared away for a corner.

The West Ham man's highlight moment came late on, when he whipped a glorious cross onto the boot of Nicolas Jackson and should have earned an assist.

The left-back's defensive work was impressive, too, however. He won two tackles and six duels, completing four clearances and six recoveries.

West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf looks down
Everton already at work on deal to sign West Ham star El Hadji Malick Diouf

Why West Ham will hope to see Diouf thrive

Within months of joining West Ham last summer, Diouf spoke about wanting to play for a "top club" in the future.

His long-term future has never appeared to lie at the London Stadium, and relegation confirmed his exit was imminent.

For the Hammers now, it is all about attracting the best possible fee for Diouf this summer.

Matches like Tuesday's will better their chances of doubling their money, and Senegal will, at least, have two more group stage games against Norway and Iraq.

Two strong Diouf displays and West Ham will have a whole host of clubs waiting to sign the left-back upon his return.

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