Troy Deeney believes one West Ham United star is coming into his own now – and it’s neither Crysencio Summerville nor Mateus Fernandes.
Though there are several West Ham United players who have stepped up in recent weeks, those two are perhaps the standout examples.
Summerville simply cannot stop scoring, while Fernandes continues to dominate games at Premier League level for the first real time on a consistent basis.
Serious question – are you taking a peak Mateus Fernandes or a peak Lucas Paqueta in your dream midfield?!
A graphic showing Mateus Fernandes being voted Man of the Match by West Ham fans vs Burnley.
Credit: Getty Images/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista
The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Konstantinos Mavropanos have also impressed in recent weeks, while Jarrod Bowen remains as important as ever.
Still, Deeney believes El Hadji Malick Diouf is starting to realise his full potential.
Troy Deeney praises El Hadji Malick Diouf after West Ham beat Burnley
Deeney has selected his Team of the Week following another dramatic few days of Premier League action.
At left-back, he selected Diouf. The Senegal star recorded his first assist since September as West Ham United beat Burnley 2-0 on Saturday but that doesn’t tell the full story.
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Indeed, Diouf’s cross for Taty Castellanos was brilliant and it was a genuine reminder of his quality.
The former Slavia Prague defender started life at West Ham very well but his form had dropped off by the time he went away to the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, Deeney was impressed with his display at Turf Moor.
Who are you starting in goal against Manchester United?! 🧤
A split image showing Alphonse Areola and Mads Hermansen's appearance stats for West Ham United this season.
Credit: Getty Images/ Julian Finney/Izzy Poles – AMA
In his column for BBC Sport, he wrote: “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.”
It is interesting to see Deeney believes that Diouf has been a sensation since coming back from AFCON.
He only played a few minutes against Sunderland upon his return and while West Ham’s first half performance against Chelsea was brilliant, suggesting Diouf was a particular standout would be a bit too much.
Malick Diouf playing for West Ham against Burnley.
Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images
The other West Ham player included in Troy Deeney’s Team of the Week
Diouf was joined in Deeney’s Team of the Week by new West Ham United teammate Axel Disasi.
Disasi made his debut for West Ham against Burnley, almost 300 days after his last Premier League outing – and Deeney was impressed.
There will be tougher tests to come for the Frenchman but he hardly put a foot wrong in what was a crucial game for the Hammers.
Of the Chelsea loanee, Deeney wrote: “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.”
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