OPINION
There has been plenty of speculation in recent weeks about West Ham United potentially recalling winger Grady Diangana from Championship side West Bromwich Albion.
However, manager Manuel Pellegrini dispelled those rumours at his pre match press conference last week, unequivocally stating that the 21-year-old would be staying at The Hawthorns.
However, West Ham playmaker Manuel Lanzini’s injury suffered against Burnley last Saturday may have changed that stance. With the Argentine reported to be out for two months, that’s certainly the point of view of former England international Darren Bent.
“I know West Ham are saying that now, that they’re not going to recall him, but if they keep slipping down the league, things might change. They’re showing no consistency whatsoever, losing games,” the Sky Sports pundit told Football Insider.
As Bent says, it’s not just Lanzini’s injury which may compel Pellegrini to change his mind. There’s Diangana’s sparkling form, as well, which could get him to re-think his decision.
The youngster has been in sensational form for Slaven Bilic’s side this campaign. The statistics show that he has been terrific, really helping for fire West Brom’s current push for promotion back to the Premier League.
As per WhoScored.com, Diangana has scored four times and grabbed four assists, while he is averaging 1.6 shots, 1.8 key passes and 2.4 dribbles per game.
That shows that he has learnt his lesson from last season, where the Englishman was guilty of being too passive when in possession. He has lightning pace, but didn’t always use it. Now, though, it’s clear that he is picking the ball up and charging at the opposition defence with regularity.
He has the cutting edge, too, that the Hammers have been missing of late. Lanzini wasn’t doing it, while neither Pablo Fornals or Felipe Anderson have got going this campaign, either.
With that said, it would be a big surprise if Pellegrini didn’t recall Diangana in January. Bent is spot on – things may indeed change.
