Home » Teams » West Ham United » Tottenham going for this solid West Ham star would get them a perfect long-term solution at the back – opinion

Tottenham going for this solid West Ham star would get them a perfect long-term solution at the back – opinion

Why Tottenham should go all out to sign Issa Diop in January

According to a report from Daily Mirror, Issa Diop turned down Tottenham, Everton and Fulham to join West Ham.

The Frenchman, 22, joined West Ham from French club Toulouse in the summer of 2018 for a transfer fee worth £22million. After a slow start to life in east London, the 22-year-old central defender has been superb for the Hammers and has established himself as an important player in Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Issa Diop has started the new season well, playing in all seven Premier League games so far. Keeping in mind the 22-year-old’s consistent displays at the heart of West Ham defence, Tottenham should reignite their interest in him during the January transfer window.

For the first time in quite a while under Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham Hotspur are struggling due to their lack of solidity at the back. They recently conceded seven goals against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and three against Brighton yesterday.

And with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld slowly nearing the final phase of their respective careers, it’s time for a change. Tottenham need someone who can improve the backline, and that’s where Issa Diop could come into the fray.

A strong ball-playing centre-back, Diop can not only provide more solidity at the back but can also enhance their build-up play – something that they have really struggled with this season. 

A strong tackler and a smart reader of the game, the Frenchman is a hardworking and reliable player who is solid in the air as well, making him an asset during set-piece situations.

The former Toulouse man lacks pace and agility but makes it up with his strength and positional awareness. It’s also fair to point out that he is capable of passing in between the lines as well, though Diop may not be as good as someone like Alderweireld or Kalidou Koulibaly.

More Tottenham News

The France Under-21 international is good in the air, has the required Premier League experience under his belt and at 22, his best years are certainly ahead of him.

Verdict

Diop has been immense for West Ham and Spurs could really do with a player like him in their squad as the defender will add quality as well as depth to their defensive ranks. However, the north London club will need to make a massive offer if they are to tempt the Hammers into selling their star defender in January.