West Ham left to ponder after latest El Hadji Malick Diouf praise at World Cup

West Ham United would love to keep hold of El Hadji Malick Diouf this summer, but they face a big task if they wish to do so.

The left-back made the switch from Slavia Prague last summer and proved a revelation for the Hammers.

With non-stop energy down the left and a wicked cross, the Senegalese young star was a shining light in a dismal year in East London.

Joining for £19million, Diouf is someone the Irons will be looking to make some money on while they can, with his age being the unique selling point.

Currently out at the World Cup with Senegal, the 21-year-old would start the first match, as his side took on France in New Jersey.

And based on the latest praise for the defender, West Ham will be pondering what could have been had they avoided relegation.

Malick Diouf praised once again as he makes World Cup debut

Racking up 32 Premier League appearances in his debut year, Diouf would become a mainstay at left-back - missing just six matches as he took part in AFCON.

Now making his World Cup debut after registering five assists in the league, he has been praised once again, despite a 3-1 defeat.

Taking to X, BBC writer and Everton fan Matt Jones would laud Diouf, saying: "Can't remember watching El Hadji Malick Diouf and thinking anything other than great. Superb here again so far."

"Surely a player someone will take a punt on this summer," he would add.

And he may just be right, with the left-back surely someone on the way out of the London Stadium after shining in a lacklustre side.

West Ham only have themselves to blame as Diouf joins list

Ahead of their Championship return, the Hammers have to raise around £150m in player sales.

With Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes set to depart, Diouf may also join this list as someone who will guarantee the funds given his price tag last summer.

Had they stayed in the top flight, Diouf would have absolutely been someone to build around over the summer, alongside the previously mentioned pair.

Instead, the Irons only have themselves to blame, as years of mismanagement has led to them sleepwalking into the second tier.

Rather than build around an impressive young core, West Ham are having to consider the immediate future of their stars.