Troy Deeney loves West Ham star finally showing full potential after ‘sensational’ latest
West Ham United have seen a massive upturn in their form over the past month as they battle to avoid Premier League relegation.
Back at the start of January, after defeats to Wolves and Nottingham Forest, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side looked certain for the drop.
However, West Ham’s 2-0 win over Burnley on Saturday afternoon was their fourth victory in their last five games, and was indicative of the recent turnaround.
The result leaves the Hammers just three points adrift of Forest in 17th, and with a real chance of retaining their Premier League status.
Troy Deeney heaps praise on El Hadji Malick Diouf
West Ham signed El Hadji Malick Diouf from Slavia Prague in last summer’s transfer window, believing the 21-year-old had the potential to be a future star.
The left-back had a shaky start to life at London Stadium, especially with the Hammers struggling so badly under first Graham Potter, and then Nuno.
However, Diouf has continued to command a place in the team, and he showed his quality during the win over Burnley on Saturday.
With West Ham already one goal in front, the Senegalese international picked up the ball in space on the left-hand side, before whipping in a delightful cross which was duly converted by Taty Castellanos.
Writing for BBC Sport, former Premier League striker Troy Deeney included Diouf in his team of the week.
Speaking about the Hammers defender, Deeney said: “Wonderful cross for the goal in the win at Burnley. He’s been sensational since he came back from the Africa Cup of Nations.
“He’s really added pace, power and a little bit of bite they have been missing down that side. He didn’t have a great start to the season, but we’re starting to see the full potential of him now.”
Axel Disasi gives West Ham exactly what they were missing
Along with Diouf, Deeney included centre-back Axel Disasi in his team of the week, after an impressive debut display at Turf Moor.
West Ham signed Disasi from Chelsea on deadline day, with the 27-year-old coming in on loan until the end of the season.
Alongside Konstantinos Mavropanos, the Frenchman helped inspire the Hammers to their second Premier League clean sheet of the campaign, immediately showing his class.
Nuno’s side have struggled defensively over the past few months, which is one of the reasons why they are down in the relegation zone.
However, Deeney believes that Disasi provides West Ham with one thing that they have been missing this season.
He said: “Disasi has to defend a bit deeper at West Ham – big, organised, putting his body on the line. He gives them a physical presence they’ve missed.”
Both will be key against Manchester United next time out.