Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Sun 3 August 2025 21:30, UK

West Ham beat Bournemouth 2-0 on Sunday, with new signing El Hadji Malick Diouf among the standouts.

Goals from Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen came either side of half time, marking the Hammers’ second consecutive victory over Premier League opposition in pre-season.

Graham Potter’s side will now return to The London Stadium for the visit of Ligue 1 side Lille, in what will be their final friendly before the Premier League’s return.

Diouf impresses v Bournemouth

Diouf’s attacking promise was evident when West Ham spent £19million to take him from Slavia Prague.

The Senegal international had scored seven goals and provided three assists in Czechia’s top division last season, and was trusted to play high up the pitch.

But even the Hammers may be surprised by just how effective the full back already looks for Potter’s side when going forward.

West Ham first found Diouf in space in the 23rd minute, with the defender responding by whipping in a staggeringly well-hit cross, too powerful to be interrupted by the goalkeeper but accurate enough to find Bowen at the back post.

The winger’s initial effort was blocked but he quickly found Fullkrug, who was on hand to turn home.

And the crosses continued to rain down on the Bournemouth goal, another, in the 33rd minute, finding the German striker, who could only fire over this time.

The second half brought no let-up for the Cherries, with Diouf again finding space in the 67th minute and delivering another perfectly weighted cross to Bowen, who could only score.

The 20-year-old was rightly treated to a standing ovation as he departed the pitch, with captain Bowen describing the defender as a “brilliant footballer” to Stan Sport following the final whistle.

West Ham have new threat in Diouf

West Ham struggled for attacking threat last season, often left to rely on Bowen’s ability to make something out of nothing.

But Diouf’s arrival looks to have changed that already, with the defender’s ability to dig out dangerous crosses likely enough to force Premier League opposition to take additional measures to prevent them.

The defender did struggle defensively at points, sometimes caught out of position after charging up the pitch.

But Diouf’s seeming ability to consistently find the perfect delivery, combined with the resurgence of striker Fullkrug, will more than work to make up for that.

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