
Joe Cole claims West Brom loanee can become ‘great player in the future’
Joe Cole has claimed that West Brom loanee Grady Diangana can become a “great player” in the future.
The West Ham winger has impressed during his spell with the Baggies, registering five goals and six assists this season.
And Cole believes that he can go on to follow in the footsteps of the likes of himself and Frank Lampard by graduating from the Hammers’ academy and carving out a very successful career.
Speaking to West Ham’s official website, he said: “There were great players before us [Cole and Lampard] and there’ll be great players in the future, too.
“Now, it’s for the new crop to follow in our footsteps and create their own history – Declan Rice, Grady Diangana…
“Fans have tribal beliefs and follow their one and only club but, equally, Hammers supporters should see beyond that and take immense pride that their Club’s talent system produced players who achieved what they did.”
Anybody who has seen Diangana play this season will know just how much potential he has.
The wide man has been a revelation for Albion, and has been labelled “magnificent” by Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie.
His colleague Keith Andrews agrees, and the future looks incredibly bright for the 22-year-old.
The big question is where he will be playing his football next season.
According to Hammers insiders Claret and Hugh, the player is likely to return to West Ham in the coming weeks, with West Brom unlikely to see their valuation of him.
The fact that they have any kind of valuation at all would suggest that a deal is not impossible, however, and there will continue to be some hope among fans that a permanent transfer can be engineered.
In other West Brom news, Jude Bellingham shares Twitter message with Baggies youngster after sealing new deal
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.