January 2012, in Gabon and the Equatorial Guinea the African Cup of Nations is currently underway. Many clubs throughout the English football league have players unavailable due to them being on national duty; unfortunately for Newcastle the former Hammer Demba Ba (English Premier League second highest scorer this season) is representing his home nation Senegal. Amongst other ex-Hammers, fans favourite John Pantsil of Leicester City is also competing in West Central Africa for Ghana. Fortunately for our beloved West Ham our very own African international stars haven’t gone to this year’s ACON, Abdoulaye Faye and Papa Bouba-Diop (both from Senegal.)
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Faye joined West Ham United on a free transfer on 1 July 2011 following the expiry of his contract at Stoke City. The Senegalese defender has played 34 times for his country, first representing Senegal in 2004. Faye has proved to be a high quality player this season, with 17 appearances (4 from the bench) he has helped West Ham to establish themselves as serious contenders for promotion. Faye’s key attributes this season have included tireless defensive performances. Faye’s legendary sliding tackles and booming headers have definitely not gone unnoticed by the supporters. With the consistently brilliant James Tomkins shining this season, the choice for the second centre-back place has been between Abdoulaye Faye and the ‘flying kiwi’ Winston Reid (both proving worthy for the position.)
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Papa Bouba-Diop is a powerful and vastly-experienced presence. Diop is a Senegal international of undoubted pedigree, Match of the Day football analyst Alan Hansen once stated that Diop is “One of the most solid midfield players in Europe, who is hugely underrated.” The Senegalese midfielder/defender has represented his country 63 times in 7 years scoring seven goals. On 30 August 2011, West Ham announced the signing of Diop on a one-year deal, he joined for free after leaving AEK Athens and the deal included an option to sign for a further year. Papa Bouba-Diop has represented the Hammers 15 times this season, (1 appearance from the bench.) Diop, when played is a key link for the team’s football to flow from defence to attack.
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So far this season West Ham has conceded the least goals in the Npower Championship, I believe this is due to our solid defence consisting of Reid, Tomkins and Faye. The importance of having defensive back up is vital, therefore when a substitution is needed there is a more than capable defender ready to be substituted on. With Diop and Faye not being picked to attend the African Cup of Nations, West Ham have been very fortunate as without the two players, West Ham would lack depth and quality on the field and on the bench ready to make an impact.
Amazing stuff Liam, keep it up!
Great piece, Liam. Very interesting.
A good report about a tricky subject cheers
Fantastic article, I`m sure numerous clubs would of not wanted their players to go to the African nations cup. Liam do you think clubs should consider buying these players knowing they could lose them for a sizeable part of the season?