OPINION
West Ham United certainly have a lot to feel smug about if their recent form is anything to go by – but there is one another thing that will have the club thinking that they are on cloud nine.
That is the capture of defender Issa Diop, who has been rather impressive for the Hammers recently, much to the delight of everybody.
According to club insider Claret and Hugh, the Irons were not the only club chasing his services in the summer – Tottenham Hotspur were also on his trail too.
However, club chairman David Sullivan spoke to Mario Husillos, and according to agent Mark McKay, he is the one that pushed hardest for Diop to join the ranks.
The Hammers must be feeling smug that they managed to land the 6ft 4in [Transfermarkt] ace ahead of their Premier League rivals, as he has been somewhat of a sensation lately.
He has been solid in the centre of West Ham’s defence, and at the age of 21-years-old, he is certainly a player who operates with a maturity far beyond his years.
The Hammers could not have found anyone who slotted better into the defence than Diop – if anything, he plays like he has always been there.
That is exactly the type of player that Manuel Pellegrini needs – and Spurs must now be green with envy that their league rivals managed to nab him over them.
Diop has put out some tremendous displays, and it is scary that he is still so young and has the ability to get better and better throughout his time at the London Stadium.
The Hammers must now make sure that the make the most of Diop’s talents – because it will not be long until one of the Premier League heavyweights comes sniffing.
However, they have certainly got a major talent on their hands – and they must be counting their lucky stars that they won the race to his signature.
