BBC pundit Garth Crooks has labelled West Ham centre-back Issa Diop’s display against Chelsea as ‘outstanding’ after naming the 21-year-old in his team of the week.
Diop helped the Hammers to a clean sheet and a point against the unbeaten Blues at the London Stadium on Saturday, with that being the first shut-out earned by the club this season.
Crooks has now singled out Diop for his display against Chelsea as he drooled over the young enforcer’s display against a dangerous attack containing the likes of Eden Hazard and Willian.
In his column for BBC Sport, Crooks said: “He was outstanding against Everton last week and was unlucky not to make my TOTW then. However, another outstanding performance by Issa Diop and a clean sheet – against Chelsea of all teams, having been battered in the opening exchanges – has not gone unnoticed.”
OPINION
Crooks is right to single out Diop for his display against Chelsea, with the young centre-back looking imperious against an attack which has run through all comers so far this season. The Blues really failed to threaten on a regular basis at the London Stadium, and that is partly down to Diop and his brilliant display for the Hammers. The 21-year-old had to wait for his chance to shine under Pellegrini this season following his £22million move from Toulouse, but once given that opportunity, he has taken it with both hands. His tall frame and decent pace really make him ready-made for the Premier League, and there is no limit to this young star’s potential if he works hard and stays fit. The fact he is only 21 is astounding, and West Ham really look to have got themselves a player in Diop. Hopefully players around him can rise to the challenge and help take the club further up the table after their poor start.
