Young star Grady Diangana has been one of the surprise highlights of West Ham United’ season so far.
The 20-year-old has burst onto the scene under Manuel Pellegrini in the last two months.
The tricky and pacy winger got his big chance after Andriy Yarmolenko was ruled out for the season.
And boy did he take it, putting in fearless displays for the Hammers.
Diangana’s form was so good it earned him a call-up to the England Under 20s squad.
Did Grady take his eye off the ball?
But he failed to replicate his form against the Terriers last time out and was substituted at half-time.
Could it be that the timing of Diangana’s England call-up was the very reason behind the youngster’s worst performance yet in a Hammers shirt?
Speaking to West Ham’s official website Diangana revealed he received the call-up on the eve of the Huddersfield match.
The exciting young star is perfectly entitled to a below par performance so early in his career.
‘I found out before Huddersfield’
But his comments could suggest he may have taken his eye off the ball ever so slightly knowing he was to meet up with his first England squad after the 1-1 draw.
“I found out about the call-up the day before we played Huddersfield Town,” Diangana told whufc.com.
“It was obviously a really exciting moment and I told my whole family straight away.
“It’s such an honour to represent my country. It’s such a good feeling, and to win against Germany as well makes it even better.”
Harsh at the top, just ask Reece Oxford
Of course Diangana wasn’t the only West Ham player who turned in a disappointing performance at the John Smith’s Stadium.
Life is harsh at the top, though, and the youngster must quickly learn that in the Premier League consistency is key, particularly if he wants to keep his place in the side.
Just ask Reece Oxford.
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