Considering the amount of transfer activity that occurred over at Upton Park before the window ended, fans might have completely forgotten that we signed the unit that is Papa Boupa Diop. Big Sam made this acquisition and ensured that the Hammers were pretty covered in the midfield area, particularly in central midfield. His solid defensive displays and priceless experience make him a key asset in the Irons pursuit for promotion back to the Premiership.
As I briefly mentioned about the Hammers having strong cover in the centre of midfield, although a salivating prospect for a manager to have so many players at your disposal, it can be a headache for most gaffers to rotate their side and find the best formula in certain positions dependant on what opponents your team play. With Noble, Nolan, Lansbury and Diop all striking a claim for a midfield spot in the centre of the park, competition is fierce.
After a solid first start in his long awaited debut for the Hammers, the question Big Sam faces is whether he should start with him again or even make him a permanent fixture. West Ham face Blackpool this Saturday, a game which pits them against former Premiership opposition for the first time since their fall from the top flight. Blackpool pose a strong attacking threat and as we learnt in the Premiership last year, they never intend to park the bus and always go attack, attack, attack. Diop’s combative and defensive displays will prove an obstacle for Blackpool’s attack and should neutralise any threat they pose to West Ham. This should frustrate them as a team and allow us to attack and come up with the goods against them. I think I would try Diop alongside Lansbury on Saturday, I say this as I feel Noble and Nolan, who in my head should be regular first starters, haven’t been up to the mark of late and I feel they need to be kept on their toes by Big Sam. Noble for example hasn’t been his usual self this season, perhaps he’s had trouble adjusting to the Championship or a fitness issue, but his performance against Millwall – a game you felt he would have been up for – was not up to scratch and surprisingly poor by his standards.
Having Diop and Lansbury as a central midfield pairing I think would be a nice experimentation and open them up to new ideas in their play. Both can tackle and are strong lads, but with Lansbury’s attacking prowess as well, this would be an interesting approach in centre midfield for the Hammers.
As for making ‘The Wardrobe’ a permanent fixture, I feel each of our midfielders adds something different to the pack and always gives us extra options if play and tactics become tired and predictable. For this Saturday a definite yes, alongside with Lansbury I’ve go with Collison and Taylor out on the wings with Baldock and…Carew up front, whether or not Big Sam will go for that and drop Nolan for this game, is another question.
Do you think Diop should start this Saturday? Let Chris know on Twitter @BlogginBubbles
