2020 has been full of curveballs and this week West Ham have delivered one of their own.
Reliable Hammers insider ExWHUemployee has revealed that central defender Issa Diop has been seen training as a striker as David Moyes explores alternative options.
Andriy Yarmolenko played upfront when playing for the U-23s this week, as David Moyes sees him as a potential striker alternatives.
It is even believed defender Issa Diop has spent some time in training playing upfront 🤣🤣🤣
[@ExWHUemployee] pic.twitter.com/NROCf2pOxz
— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) December 10, 2020
With Michail Antonio likely to miss the Irons’ trip to Leeds United on Friday with another injury, Moyes is left with only Sebastien Haller as a recognised striker.
Ukrainian winger Andriy Yarmolenko was pushed into a central striking role at times during the under-23s’ 3-0 defeat at Peterborough on Tuesday as he continues his comeback from a virus diagnosis.
Diop has barely featured this term in his natural centre-back role as Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell prove difficult to dislodge.
His lack of game-time could be another reason behind why the 6’3 Frenchman sees his future further up the field – although his five goals in 77 West Ham appearances may say different.
Here are a pick of the fan reactions to the Diop revelation…
Twitter: @WestHam_Central @ExWHUemployee More of this please:
https://t.co/NpY1qfjXHJ (@David_Moyesio)
Twitter: @WestHam_Central @ExWHUemployee Imagine if Diop becomes our 20 goal a season striker. (@camwestham)
Twitter: I hope I’ve read this wrong, rumours are it is 100% true, if so, I honestly don’t even know where to start. Issa di… https://t.co/mVQh23aKWV (@billymunroe)
Twitter: Issa diop at striker
What is 2020 (@Landsy2710)
Twitter: @WestHam_Central @ExWHUemployee Finally a replacement for Ian Pearce. (@JReadingAloud87)
He'd have a presence there for sure. But if Moyes makes a striker from a centre back than that man is a much better coach than what he gets credit for.
— WHU (@WHU63512230) December 10, 2020
