Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Sun 12 April 2026 10:00, UK

West Bromwich Albion fans have once again been left mightily impressed By Ousmane Diakite after his efforts against Millwall.

West Brom took another small step towards Championship safety on Friday after a goalless draw with automatic promotion hopefuls Millwall.

The Baggies had nearly 60 per cent possession at The Hawthorns, an Expected Goals tally of 1.44 versus 1.14 and 16 shots to the visitors’ 11.

However, they didn’t have a shot on target until the 82nd minute but deservedly claimed a point as they stayed 20th in the table.

West Brom will hope to beat Preston North End next time out, and if James Morrison‘s men win that one, they may be grateful again to Diakite, who shone against the Lions.

Ousmane Diakite shines again for West Brom

Amidst a hugely disappointing season overall, midfielder Diakite has been one of the few positives for the Baggies.

He has made 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and adding an assist, and has come into his own in 2026, particularly under Morrison.

A day after the Millwall encounter, West Brom revealed that Diakite had been voted as their Player of the Match once again.

This led one fan to tweet, “Long may it continue,” while another wrote, “Diakite under Morrison has been something else. Proud for him after the start of the year he had.”

Indeed, Diakite endured a heartbreaking start to 2026 when it was revealed that his brother, Madou, had died.

The 25-year-old was granted a period of compassionate leave as he returned to Mali to be with his family.

Despite all this adversity, Diakite has excelled for the relegation strugglers, something fans are very grateful for.

Another fan commented, “How several managers didn’t see it, I don’t know,” and one added, “Schedule this tweet for next match.”

Diakite delivers despite talk of West Brom exit

Diakite delighted West Brom fans in March when his contract was extended until the summer of 2027, with his deal previously set to expire at the end of the season.

However, soon after, the Mali international later hinted that a summer exit was on the cards, although the validity of those claims were questioned by many.

While he may yet head for pastures new this summer, Diakite is certainly giving his all on the pitch for a West Brom side that are just two points above the relegation zone.

He said, “I think we deserved to win the game. The guys worked really hard, but, unfortunately, we missed a couple of chances at the end.

“I tried my best tonight. That’s the only thing I think about in every game. I try to play well and help my teammates, and it was no different for me tonight.”

One thing is for sure: Diakite will be crucial in these final four games of the season.