Nuno Santos: ‘Senegalese Malick Diouf is special’

West Ham United manager Nuno Espírito Santo has described his Senegalese defender El Hadji Malick Diouf as special to the Premier League team.

The Portuguese coach spoke about the African star ahead of the team’s meeting with Burnley FC in the Premier League on Saturday.

“He is a beautiful boy, and someone really special. He’s so sensitive, and I think with the way he has progressed from Senegal, through to Norway, Czechia and now the Premier League, he is living a dream,” the former Nottingham Forest FC boss told West Ham United website.

“He enjoys everything so much, and though he has things he can improve, he’s like a diamond you have to polish. We all have great responsibilities, but you have to enjoy what you do, and I think Malick does that.”

Santo has since urged his players against getting carried away, following last weekend’s win over Newcastle United, when welcoming the Clarets to London Stadium.

The 20-year-old joined the Hammers from Slavia Prague, helping them to win the Czech First League championship last season.

How Malick Diouf launched his career back home in Senegal

The Dakar-born wingback launched his football career at Galaxy Football Academy while aged 13.

He spent four years at the academy before securing a move to Norwegian Eliteserien club Tromsø in February 2023, featuring in 21 matches as they qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Malick Diouf eventually signed for Slavia Prague in January 2024, his outstanding displays paving the way for a switch to West Ham.

The Hammers are eyeing two consecutive league wins for the first since February, before going to the November window for international matches.

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