West Bromwich Albion enjoyed a successful summer transfer window and their arrivals have been a huge part of their impressive performances so far this season.
On loan from West Ham United, Grady Diangana has proven to be one of the best loans of the summer in the Championship. On the Sky Sports Football Show, both Keith Andrews and Lee Hendrie have been full of praise for the winger and the impact he has had since arriving at the Hawthorns.
Former West Brom midfielder Andrews said: I’ve been very impressed right from the off. His move happened quite late in the window last summer and I think that was much to do with the fact there was so much interest and maybe whether West Ham really wanted him to go.”
“As a young player in pre-season you get minutes because there are lots of games and he undoubtedly impressed after signing a six-year contract.”
“I’m sure he was in the plans but I think they came to the right conclusion in letting him go out and then it was about finding the best possible environment where he could flourish and play enough minutes,” he continued.
“He came off the bench against Luton in his first game and scored two goals and he’s been a revelation since. The injury hampered things a little bit but I’ve been very impressed.”
The West Ham academy product has contributed goals and assists this season despite his season being cut short by injury – although he will be fit and available to play should the season be resumed.
MASSIVE PLUS POINT
Hendrie also paid tribute to the success of Diangana: “I think it was a massive move for both West Brom and Grady himself. If you look at the squad in general, they’ve got a mixed bag of experience and youth and I think that just ticked all the boxes for him to go there.”
“Minutes are so important because he’s still a young man learning his trade. I’m sure West Ham could’ve done with having him back given the season they’ve had so far but you’ve got to give him a lot of credit for going into a club like that.”
“You look at the stature of player they have there and I think that ticks all the boxes for Grady, West Ham and West Brom. When you’ve got that blend of players it’s only going to bring him on,” he continued.
“I had a good chat with Gareth Barry about him and he says that he’ll go on and play at the top. They adore him at West Brom and I think they’d love to keep hold of him but the situation with West Brom potentially going up and West Ham potentially going down, he could see himself back in the Championship. He’s been magnificent, easy on the eye and a massive plus point for West Brom.”
