Lee Hendrie has backed Grady Diangana to thrive in the Premier League for West Ham United next season, after an impressive loan spell at West Bromwich Albion this term.
The 22-year-old has been an influential player for the Baggies this season, helping Slaven Bilic's side maintain their fight for automatic promotion following a series of impressive performances.
Diangana has scored five goals and added six assists for West Brom in a total of 22 Championship appearances this term, but has been injured since their 1-0 defeat to Stoke City in January.
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Football London have recently revealed that Diangana is set to be a key part of David Moyes' first-team plans for next season, after excelling out on loan in the Championship this season.
Speaking to Sky Sports, former Aston Villa man Lee Hendrie has backed Diangana to shine for West Ham once he returns to the London Stadium, and wants him to base his game on Wolves' Adama Traore.
He said: "I think so because in the Premier League he will have that little bit more time on the ball. The Championship is a completely different ball game; it’s a lot more intense, physical and has been superb over the past four or five years. I just think that as a young man he’s got to keep that momentum that he’s got from gaining experience playing in the Championship.
"It would be interesting to see who he looks at in the Premier League in those wide areas, whether it’s Raheem Sterling or Adama Traore or whoever. I think those are the players who stand out, so if he bases his game on what they do, he’ll be up there as one of the best wide men around. He’s got to keep that momentum, that hunger and that drive because he’s setting himself up to be an absolutely fabulous player and someone who is going to stand out for West Ham and they really need that."
West Brom will be eager to end the season as quickly and as safely as possible, with Bilic's side sitting second in the league standings and six points clear of third ahead of the final nine games of the season.
The Verdict
Diangana has all the attributes to shine in the Premier League and needs to be given a chance by West Ham to shine next season.
The winger has excellent ball control and his skills on the ball are magnificent, and he is also a really strong player.
West Brom will be gutted to lose him, but they are bound to have potential replacements in mind.