Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan believes West Ham United winger Grady Diangana will be ‘happy’ with Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini’s recent comments.
The Chilean confirmed at his pre match press conference on Thursday, as per Football London, that he would not be recalling the 21-year-old from his loan spell at Championship side West Bromwich Albion. BBC pundit Whelan believes the 21-year-old will be thrilled.
“Slaven Bilic has got to be really pleased that he’s got that news because that’s the danger, isn’t it? Losing players, being recalled, losing that momentum and that balance in your side just as you’re getting into this important time of the season,” he told Football Insider.
“To be given that security that the player’s staying, not going anywhere, the player will be happy with that because that would be destructive for the player as well, especially as he’s bedding himself in with a new team, new teammates, new manager and enjoying his football.”
OPINION
There’s no doubt that Diangana has been enjoying his football at West Brom, and so he probably was relieved when he heard Pellegrini say that he wouldn’t be getting recalled in January. Yes, he is a West Ham boy and so he probably wouldn’t have exactly been devastated to return to the London Stadium, but he’ll be aware of how impactful this loan spell has been for him thus far, and how far he could go if he stays at The Hawthorns through until the end of the season. So both he and Bilic were likely very happy when they heard Pellegrini’s comments on Thursday. Because there’s no doubt that the Englishman has been in tremendous form this term. As per WhoScored.com, Diangana has scored four times and grabbed four assists for the Baggies, while he is averaging 1.5 shots, 1.8 key passes and 2.4 successful dribbles per game. There really is no point dislodging him from an environment where he is performing so well.
