West Ham defender Issa Diop has given an honest and open assessment over his personal performances this season, and has suggested that he needs to improve ahead of next season.
The 22-year-old joined West Ham last summer from French side Toulouse, and has started in 37 of the Hammers’ 42 matches in all competitions in his debut campaign at the London Stadium.
However, he has been part of a defence that have conceded 54 Premier League goals so far this season, although this is an improvement from the 68 goals they conceded last season, it is still a total which Diop feels needs to be improved next season and he feels he needs to improve to achieve that.
“I don’t think I’ve shown my best form to Manuel Pellegrini,” he told West Ham’s official website.
“We’ve conceded 54 goals. It’s too much.
“I need to improve everything: concentration, technique, I need to read the game better. I need to improve a lot. I’m happy but it’s never enough.”
OPINION
Diop’s comments maybe a little harsh on himself, after the defender has played an important role in West Ham’s season which is set to see the Hammers finish in midtable. The 22-year-old though has been part of a West Ham defence that has struggled at times this season, conceding 54 Premier League goals, with only Watford inside the division’s top ten conceding more goals. That is something that Manuel Pellegrini’s side will need to improve as they head into next season, if they are to push for the European places next campaign. Diop has now had a year to adjust to the challenges of the top flight and will be hoping that he has learned enough to use his athleticism a little more intelligently to halt the opposition from creating clear cut opportunities. Pellegrini will be hopeful Diop can produce more consistent form next season as he aims to take the Hammers forward after a solid first year in charge at the London Stadium.
