Social media clips help keep tabs on [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/the-striking-challenge-causing-huge-west-ham-headache/) players on international duty: A host of Hammers are away representing their countries in World Cup qualifiers and friendlies. It seems two of the latest acquisitions have carried on where they left off their Hammers careers, and have again been doing the business, producing assists for their national sides as they have for the Irons.
It bodes well for the season ahead that both youngsters **Mateus Fernandes** and **El Hadji Malick Diouf** – at a combined cost of something around £60 million – have both produced top drawer assists in their most recent international outings.
Fernandes for Portugal’s u21 side produced a lovely late run into the penalty box and square pass setting up a tap-in for Rodrigo Mora, whilst Diouf combined a lung-busting 40 metre run down the left hand side and a pin-point accurate, first time left footed cross – rapidly becoming his trademark – setting up Senegal’s opener. They’re both on twitter, go take a look.
The fact that both are performing on the international stage bodes well for West Ham United’s attacking options this Autumn: Two additions to the West Ham first team that offer attacking threat and solidity in defence, from the limited look we’ve had. Credit to Macaulay and Potter.
Cannot wait to see them back doing it week in, week out in Claret and Blue. Biggest problem I can see is that Diouf, if last night’s eyebrow-raising sprint is anything to go by, will outpace West Ham’s forwards- so finding a head to land these howitzer crosses onto could well prove troublesome.