‘I have to’ – Allardyce delivers big Diagne warning to West Brom fans
Sam Allardyce has delivered a warning to West Brom about Mbaye Diagne after the striker finally confirmed his switch to West Brom on Friday.
The Senegal international had been heavily linked to Albion over the last few weeks and Big Sam finally has his man.
He spoke highly of the 29-year-old, too, but warned there is “no guarantee he is going to switch it on straight away.”
As reported by the Express & Star, Allardyce said, “Hopefully, he can hit the ground running and produce here what he has produced at Galatasaray.
“He (Diagne) can hold the ball-up, score goals and he brings a physical presence.
“Him taking on this challenge – with his record in Galatasaray – is a big ask for him and I can congratulate him on having the courage to come and try and help us.
“Players can easily be put off in this window by where we are in the table.
“There is no guarantee he is going to switch it on straight away and hit the ground running.
“I have to give everyone that warning.”
Pereira and Snodgrass could be key
Allardyce’s words of warnings are an attempt to ease the pressure on Diagne.
If he gets off to a slow start there will be doubts raised about his ability to score goals, and that is the last thing Big Sam wants.
The striker does face a tough challenge though, since Albion have produced just 112 chances [1:07:30] this season – the least of any Premier League side.
Allardyce will be hoping Matheus Pereira and Robert Snodgrass can step-up, therefore.
Diagne, as per Allardyce’s words, will offer us a physical presence and can hold up the ball, so he should be able to link up with Pereira effectively.
Hopefully that means Diagne is a threat in the air, too, as Snodgrass’ crossing ability should lead to chances for the front-man to take advantage.
He has scored 18 headers in his career which shows he is useful in the air.
An ability to score penalties, tap-ins and with his weaker foot also suggests he possesses multiple threats.
That is very encouraging as opponents will find us less predictable.
Diagne is in good form too with 11 goals in 19 games this season, and we hope Big Sam is able to get the best out of him.
In other West Brom news, Albion have made an approach to sign a player who almost joined Wolves in the summer.