Issa Diop’s international declaration tells you all you need to know about him

Add as preferred source on Google

West Ham United defender Issa Diop recently declared himself for the French national side.

The £22 million summer signing from Toulouse was also eligible to represent Senegal and Morocco, but fancies his chances of breaking through with the world champions.

Diop has been solid for the Hammers after settling in at the club.

He appears to have made himself a regular fixture in the side next to Fabian Balbuena, and is catching the eye with some authoritative displays at the back.

The imposing defender appears to be tailor-made for the English top flight.

He’s certainly on a big platform in the Premier League which, in theory, will increase his chances of earning a call up to the France squad eventually.

Diop declaration shows ambition

West Ham fans must be pleased with Diop’s declaration here.

Opting to declare for France shows big ambition and self-confidence.

Les Bleus currently have many brilliant centre-backs such as Raphael Varane, Samuel Umtiti and Clement Lenglet, and in the past they’ve been able to boast players of high calibre such as Marcel Desailly, Laurent Blanc and Lilian Thuram.

France appears to be an excellent producer of centre-halves, and Diop has certainly shown he has the belief in himself to be a success for the nation.

Choosing Senegal or Morocco would have been the ‘easy’ option.

He would undoubtedly have been selected by either nation, and probably have gone on to make a high number of appearances without too much trouble.

But declaring for France is much more of a challenge. It’s a move that should be commended, and reflects his own character. Now of course, it’s down to him to force his way into Didier Deschamps’ plans.

He has certainly been more impressive than recent call ups Mamdou Sakho and Kurt Zouma.