Carlton Cole has stated that there are ‘question marks’ over Issa Diop at West Ham United, as he told Stadium Astro.
The former Hammers striker shared that he ‘wants to see more’ from Diop because he isn’t showcasing what he is really capable of.
Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna have previously been the rocks at the back for West Ham, but they are both in the treatment room, at this moment in time.
It has seen Diop, who has been a back-up option during that period, stepping up and taking a key centre-back role in recent weeks.
All the injuries West Ham have suffered, alongside Diop’s performances, were discussed by Cole.
“It’s no coincidence that the form has dipped,” said Cole. “Zouma injured. Ogbonna injured. Cresswell injured. These are massive players for that squad.
“You know when your defence is tight. The way David Moyes likes to play, he likes to defend first and then the rest will come later.
“Right now, he is finding it very difficult to have these players out because they are hard to replace. They are so influential.
“I feel, to save it, they are going to have to go and get a proper centre-back that can do a job. Taking nothing away from Dawson. He has been brilliant.
“Diop, for me, there is a question mark over him. He’s one of our players. But I want to see more. I know what he’s capable of. We just haven’t seen that so far. Him being dominant and that man he’s supposed to be.”
David Moyes’ side were beaten 3-2 at home to Southampton on Boxing Day and it’s a quick turnaround today.
The Irons will make the short trip to Vicarage Road to take on relegation-threatened Watford.
Given the issues West Ham are suffering with, it’s likely that Diop will be handed another start in a few hours time.
Amid those question marks over his performance, this is an ample chance for the £22 million man (BBC Sport) to really shut his critics up.
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