Aaron Wan-Bissaka proves painful West Ham transfer truth after display vs England
Aaron Wan-Bissaka put in a strong performance against England on Wednesday.
In his maiden World Cup, the West Ham United defender has impressed for DR Congo as they reached the round of 32.
They did take the lead in the seventh minute against the Three Lions, as Brian Cipenga caught out Jordan Pickford.
But, a double from Harry Kane tipped the match on its head in the second half, sending Wan-Bissaka and Co. home after a strong performance.
The right-back is set to leave West Ham this summer after their relegation to the Championship.
And despite not having the best of spells at the London Stadium, he has continued to show that there is a player worth holding onto in there - his World Cup performance being the latest of these examples.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka tops defensive stat as England beat DR Congo
Starting as a right centre-back before Wednesday's clash, the Hammers defender put in a string of solid performances as DR Congo reached the knockouts.
Against England, he started in a more familiar right-back role, where he shone - putting in a 8/10 performance as per The Guardian, who mentioned his "brilliant goal-line clearance" to deny Marcus Rashford.
With 12 to his name, the 28-year-old registered the most defensive contributions of anybody on the pitch - aiding his side as England struggled to break through for large periods.
His supreme tackling was on show with three, alongside five headed clearances as Thomas Tuchel's side pumped balls into the box.
He won all four of his ground duels, while he failed to win just one in the air.
And alongside a resolute defensive performance, he came close to providing an assist as Yoane Wissa struck the post in the first half.
Ultimately, DR Congo did end up dropping out of the World Cup, but Wan-Bissaka proved his level against one of the tournament favourites, leaving West Ham with mixed feelings before the new season.
West Ham to wonder what could have been as Wan-Bissaka gets back to form
At the back end of the season, Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo seemingly landed on Kyle Walker-Peters as his first choice right-back.
As a result, Wan-Bissaka was left having to get back into form at the World Cup - something he did admirably.
He has his attacking flaws, but there is a fantastic defender in there, one who the Irons could have kept had they stayed in the Premier League.
Even if he is not the first name on the teamsheet, Wan-Bissaka would provide a valuable defensive option for any side in the top flight.