West Brom spot on with Ousmane Diakite contract after Bristol City masterclass
West Brom extended Ousmane Diakite’s contract earlier this week, and he proved that decision right with his performance in the 1-0 win over Bristol City.
The Baggies secured a vital three points in their attempts to avoid relegation from the Championship at Ashton Gate on 21 March.
Diakite will now be at The Hawthorns until 2027 at the very least, after a clause in his current deal was activated by Shilen Patel and Co.
West Brom look to be profiting from that decision already, after the Malian midfielder’s latest display for James Morrison‘s side.
Why handing Diakite a new deal was West Brom masterclass
West Brom fans loved the news of Diakite’s extension, and the win proved exactly why the decision to extend his deal was spot on from the club.
He put in a defensive masterclass, which was absolutely vital to the Baggies securing the win, as he made a total of eight defensive contributions, per Sofascore.
The holding midfielder won three of the five tackles that he attempted, made one interception, two clearances and four recoveries.
In terms of duels, he won six of the seven that he attempted on the ground and one of the three that he contested in the air.
He completed 78 per cent of his passes in the contest, misplacing nine of his attempts, as he tried to take his side forward.
The defensive work was what Albion fans wanted to see, and he treated them to a brilliant display on that front.
What does Diakite need to do now?
Diakite needs to keep up that level, and perform like that on a consistent basis, to justify the contract extension that he has been handed.
The Black Country club need him to kick on and show that he can be a regular starter going forward in the defensive midfield role.
| Stats | Diakite |
| Matches | 56 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes played | 3,024 |
If he can do that, it would give Patel and Co, one less thing to worry about in the summer transfer window.
Throstles supporters were waiting for Diakite to turn a corner and show what he could be, and he may have finally done it.
Long may it continue, and if it does, the decision to extend will look just as much of a masterclass as his display in the victory.
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