West Brom star who 'destroyed' West Ham told he has Premier League potential

The Mali international midfielder played a major role as the Baggies delivered a statement win at the London Stadium.

Diakite has been in superb form over recent weeks and Robinson, speaking on the Express & Star’s Baggies Broadcast podcast, believes the 26-year-old is starting to show the capability of playing at a higher level.

“He has Premier League attributes, when you look at him,” the former defender said.

“He is athletic and for me, watching him drive forward with the ball at his feet, I did not expect that when watching him against West Ham.

“The way he drove the team with the ball and was just driving past players like they weren’t even there but then had the nous to break play up in the right areas, recover into those areas to win the ball back.

“Even his passing and the control. We thought Toby (Collyer) was going to be a big loss with the way he looked so elegant on the ball but Diakite has come in and just gone to that next level.”

Robinson reckons Diakite is benefiting from playing alongside Jayson Molumby, with the two have developed a strong partnership.

And he also reserved praise for the way James Morrison and his coaching staff have placed their trust in the squad.

“Someone like a Molumby alongside Diakite has made him that type of player,” he said. “They play off each other really well and it is great to see.

“They both have engines where they can get forward but can also get back and break play up.

“I thought Diakite was the best player on the pitch last Saturday.

“He has a great chance. That is what Premier League players look like now, that sitting midfield player who can control games with the ball but has the athleticism to get away from players.

“He is growing into himself. It is credit too to Mozza because they have managed the players and believe in the players.

“It’s about consistency. We have seen Diakite in the Blackburn game, then the Preston game and now he has gone to that next level against West Ham.

“He stood out against players who are expected to win the league. He destroyed them in the middle of the park.”

Watch the latest episode of the Baggies Broadcast here, or listen through your usual podcast app.