27-year-old is the key to Issa Diop’s best form at West Ham

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West Ham United defender Issa Diop was back to his best against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

The Frenchman was a rock at the back for the Irons, who became the first side ever to beat Spurs at their new home.

The visitors ground out a 1-0 win, although in truth Manuel Pellegrini’s men should have scored more.

There were solid performances all the way through the team for West Ham, but Diop came in for some major plaudits after the game.

According to WhoScored, he made six interceptions, eight clearances, three blocks and two tackles, and gave the likes of Heung-min Son, Lucas Moura and Dele Alli very little all afternoon.

Diop – a £22 million signing from Toulouse last summer (The Daily Mail) – has not been at such a level in recent weeks, which perhaps suggest that he really shines brightest when playing alongside Fabian Balbuena.

TBR’s view

Saturday was the first time Diop and Balbuena have played together since the Paraguayan sustained a knee injury against Watford back in December.

Before limping out against the Hornets, the pair had started to forge a solid understanding at the back.

Angelo Ogbonna was the man to replace Balbuena as he recovered, and although the Italian did well in parts, the form of Diop noticeably dipped. For the last few weeks before Tottenham, Diop had been left on the bench as a result of his patchy form.

But on Saturday Diop was recalled and it was as though Balbuena’s presence was enough to help him feel comfortable on the pitch again. The pair were excellent and it was though they picked up where they left off against Watford.