El Hadji Malick Diouf has played an integral part in West Ham’s successful run in the Premier League.
Since he returned from Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations victory, the Hammers have picked up 12 points in eight league games.
Diouf explained after the 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the weekend how West Ham are finally meeting his demands.
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Malick Diouf demanded more ‘passion’ from West Ham
Especially under Graham Potter, West Ham lacked the fighting spirit needed to escape a relegation battle.
They did not show enough intensity, with or without the ball, to make life difficult for their opponents.
However, that has now completely changed, as nobody wants to play against Nuno Espirito Santo’s in-form side.
Diouf told whufc.com that the Hammers’ “passion” has been a key area of improvement recently.
“Four or five months ago, I was saying that we needed that passion,” Diouf said. “If you start really badly, you have to stay patient, because I know we have a really good squad.
“It’s still not enough, so we have to continue. We have to keep going.”
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Malick Diouf pleased with draw against Man City
Diouf missed West Ham’s last match against Manchester City, so this was his first time facing a Pep Guardiola team.
He admitted that it was “really difficult” and was delighted to leave the London Stadium with a point on Saturday.
“Playing against Manchester City is really difficult,” the left-back continued. “It’s my first time, but they’re one of the best teams here in England, so I think it’s a good point for us.
“The Head Coach was in the dressing room and told us it’s a challenge for us as defenders because we have to defend really well to get a good result.
“I think we did it today, so I think we can keep our heads up and try to do better in the next game against Aston Villa, and I hope we’re going to make a good performance and get a good result.”
Aston Villa will probably not present as much of a challenge, but the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers can cause the Hammers problems.
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