In a recent report, Foot Mercato mentioned that Newcastle United are among clubs hoping to land West Ham United defender Issa Diop. It is believed that the Magpies could face competition from AC Milan and Watford in pursuit of the French centre-back.
Diop’s Up And Down Season In English Football
Diop has played a sporadic role for the East London outfit during this campaign but has done well to put in a few dominant displays at the heart of David Moyes’ defence. The French sensation has made 13 appearances for West Ham this season, netting one goal in the process across all fronts.
The 24-year-old has been a solid defender at the back as he is averaging 1.0 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 2.6 clearances per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball out from the back, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 82.9% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
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Is Diop A Good Option For Newcastle United?
Diop can use his towering 1.94m frame to outmuscle the opposition and win his fair share of aerial duels inside his half. He is usually quick to spot the danger and can clear his lines when the opposition are on the front foot.
The French defensive ace is also a good tackler of the ball and can make some important interceptions on the defensive end of the field. He is a neat passer of the ball as well which would make him a decent fit for Eddie Howe‘s brand of football at St. James’ Park.
Diop will undoubtedly add a lot of bite and steel to Newcastle‘s backline and could help the Tyneside club avoid relegation from the Premier League this season. At 24, the Toulouse-born centre-half still has some time before he enters the prime stage of his playing career.
Hence, Diop will be a good option for the Magpies as he will strengthen their defence considerably for the long run. He might even go on to form a solid defensive partnership with Jamaal Lascelles at Newcastle over the next few years.
