Malick Diouf hails Axel Disasi as key spark in West Ham’s revival

El Hadji Malick Diouf has singled out Axel Disasi as a key figure in West Ham’s recent resurgence, praising the defender’s immediate impact since joining on loan from Chelsea in January.

The Hammers have seen a notable turnaround in form, raising hopes of avoiding a Premier League relegation battle, and Diouf believes Disasi’s experience and quality have been central to that improvement.

“The guy is not a small player!” Diouf said. “He played for Chelsea, so he knows the league. It was crazy he stayed for such a long time and he didn’t play, but when he came here, he showed that he’s a machine! I’m really happy for him. He’s a good defender and I think he helped us a lot.”

Disasi’s presence has added steel to West Ham’s backline, providing leadership and composure at a crucial stage of the season.

His Premier League know-how has helped stabilize a defence that had been struggling earlier in the campaign, giving the team confidence as they look to secure the points that could secure their top-flight status.

The Hammers now turn their attention to an FA Cup fifth-round clash with Brentford, and Diouf stressed the importance of approaching every fixture with the same intensity.

“Every game is important for us, every game, so we are ready for Monday to go and fight,” he said. “That will be a really difficult game against Brentford, but I think we are ready in every place. We are going to fight and try to win, because we know it’s only the win that matters.”