#WHUFC | Analysis: Grady Diangana. The West Ham loanee excelled under Slaven Bilic at West Bromwich Albion this season.

This thread analyses the qualities he can bring on his return to West Ham and why Moyes must keep the talented midfielder this summer

Grady Diangana’s 2019/20 season by numbers. [West Brom ranked]

2.4 dribbles per 90 [1st]
6 assists [2nd]
14 direct goal contributions [2nd]
1.4 key passes per 90 [3rd]
1.4 times fouled per 90 [3rd]
0.68 G+A per 90 [3rd]
8 goals [4th]

Diangana enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Baggies, playing a fundamental part in their automatic return to the PL He excelled in Bilic’s 4-2-3-1 attacking system:
• Operated on the left on his favourable foot
• Pereira allowed to free roam and operate centrally

It goes without saying that Diangana & Pereira establsihed themselves as one of the best attacking Championship duo’s this season. Let’s see how they compared:
• GD appears more of a goal threat
• MP stronger creatively

At 22-years-old, Diangana took the Championship by storm this season. West Ham’s academy graduate showed promise with his creativity and a direct goal threat. Let’s take a look at his role in West Brom’s system this season

Diangana’s role

• West Brom’s average possession statistics of 53.6% is a complement to their luxury attacking players & mid press off the ball. Diangana & Pereira operate in wider areas, whilst one CM enforces a high press.

• This expansive system allows the three behind the striker to rotate and showcase their flair. Diangana is allowed to come centrally here which suits his close control and ability to beat opposing players - whilst Kieran Gibbs presents an overlapping option

Before we get into Diangana’s strengths, let’s take a look at the winger’s 2019/20 heat-map:

• Versatility - It’s clear to see Diangana is comfortable on the right or left side.
• Bilic also gave Diangana limited defensive responsibility which benefitted his playing style

What strengths can Diangana bring to West Ham’s team next season?

1. Dribbling - One of the winger’s best attributes is his supreme ball carrying ability. Something West Ham have lacked all season. His direct runs combined with skill make him difficult to handle

The 22-year-old adapted well to the physicalities of the Championship. His ability to manoeuvre out of tight situations creates space to deliver his final product. As you can see from this sequence against QPR:
- Boxed in by two players
- Gets past them both & sets up Robinson

Dribbles per 90 in the Championship this season. [Championship ranked]

1. Ovie Ejaria [3.1]
2. Saïd Benrahma [3]
3. Eberechi Eze [3]
4. Bright Samuel [2.9]
5. Grady DIANGANA [2.4]

Diangana’s limited defensive responsibility made him a direct threat on the counter-attack all season.
• West Brom capitalised on Derby’s keep-ball style that committed players forward. Diangana utilised his pace to carry the ball forward with players out of position

2. Off the ball movements

• Bilic gives the midfield three a license to rotate and support the lone striker up front. Diangana’s constant movement and link-up play has improved this season and will undoubtedly serve him well in the PL

• Pereira’s vision complemented Diangana’s intelligent forward runs and provided a different attacking outlet. As you can see here:
- Huddersfield’s high press results in Pereira going direct
- Diangana aims to exploit the hosts’ narrow shape in-behind

• You can see his positional awareness perfectly for this goal
- Livermore (ball carrier) wins the ball high up the pitch
- Diangana anticipates this and provides a left central passing option

3. Passing
• Diangana averaged 1.4 key passes per 90, ranking third in the West Brom squad.
- Can provide some dangerous crosses
- Variability in his passing

• The winger ranks 12th in the West Brom squad with a passing accuracy of 79.2%. You could argue this needs improvement, but this is mainly due to the smart passes he constantly attempts.
- Blocked off by three QPR players
- Sees the run of Krovinovic
- Creates opportunity

• West Ham’s academy graduate showed glimpses of his passing quality in the first team last season.
- presented option of passing back to Fredricks
- reads the game & provides a precise cross for Antonio in-between Lingard & Jones

• This is highlighted again here. Diangana’s ability to read the game and spot the intelligent runs of other players makes him a constant threat & could provide a dynamic that West Ham lack

4. End product
Diangana’s 8 goals this season highlights his eye for goal. He ranked fifth for shots on target per 90 this season (0.97). NB: He scored some good goals.
- Shifts the ball onto his left before directing the ball into the opposite corner

• This goal is arguably the pick of the bunch
- solo effort to press the defender at the start of the move
- beats the defender with close control
- chips the ball over the on-rushing goalkeeper

• Not only his goals, but Diangana has also notched in with 6 assists this season too. Take a look at this sequence vs Huddersfield Town:

What’s next for Diangana?

There’s no doubt that the 22-year-old enjoyed an impressive season with West Brom and was one of their most important attacking outlets.

He could suit the left-wing role perfectly and provide variability in attack that West Ham lack.

Summary:

• Moyes must keep him & structure a team that will complement his undeniable qualities
• Diangana has time to develop.
• He could fill the left-wing void and become an important player next season.

RT’s greatly appreciated as always.