Despite the hammering meted out at Liverpool yesterday, several West Ham players emerged with credit as the Irons refused to lay down and kept going forward like a boxer who just refuses to hit the canvass even though the bout has long gone.
**Mateus Fernandes** just keeps on tackling and running and looks the real deal in West Ham’s midfield, refusing to be overawed by any occasion or opponent.
And amongst the carnage, **El Hadji Malick Diouf** provided another assist – meaning he’s now in a class of his own atop the Premier League defender assists table _(if such a thing exists)_ with five. Of course, it was interspersed with wildly overhit crosses that flew into Row Z – but this rough diamond at 22 is still learning his trade.
Diouf – huge improvement under Nuno
Criticised early in his Hammers career for a lack of defensive ability, Diouf appears to have taken giant leaps under Nuno now with 26 interceptions this season and 91 clearances [(sofascore),](https://www.sofascore.com/football/player/diouf-el-hadji-malick/1471764) putting him near the top of his peers in the top flight.
His brilliant cross for Soucek’s superb late run into the box admirably shows what Diouf is all about and sadly what is likely to make him hot property this summer. Another youngster for Hammers fans to enjoy whilst they can. Clearly the Senegal medal winner at AFCON has grown this season after his winter tournament success. Keeping hold of him – for several reasons – may be another tough ‘ask’ whether relegation is avoided or not.
We know he’s an ambitious guy and who can blame him. Constant improvement will certainly see him heading to a top six side at some stage so at least he should land the Hammers a healthy profit. Which on its own will be something of a rarity.