Grady Diangana is demanding more from himself, despite producing another eye-catching performance in West Ham United U23s’ Premier League 2 Division 1 defeat by Chelsea.
The winger shone bright on a dull Saturday afternoon at Chigwell Construction Stadium, winning the penalty which Joe Powell converted for the Hammers’ goal in their 2-1 reverse, testing opposition goalkeeper Jamie Cumming and posing a persistent threat to the Blues backline.
However, with just one goal and one assist to his name in six appearances in 2018/19, the 20-year-old wants to produce on a more consistent basis going forward.
I want to get on the scoresheet more and assist more and hopefully get more results for the team
Grady Diangana
“That’s my main aim, to cause trouble to the opposition defence,” he confirmed. “I tried to create more and I need to be more ruthless in front goal, either with a pass or an assist or by scoring myself. Those are my targets.
“I’m pleased [with my form], but I want to get on the scoresheet more and assist more and hopefully get more results for the team.”
While Diangana may not be content with his own contribution, he was full of praise for his teammates’ efforts in Saturday’s game.
West Ham were the better team before half-time and only conceded a winning goal to Chelsea after being reduced to ten men by Tunji Akinola’s red card six minutes after the break.
And the forward was particularly pleased for 17-year-olds Bernardo Rosa and Sean Adarkwa, whose displays caught the eye of their older attacking colleague.
“We played really well, moved the ball well and played as a team and the defenders helped the team, but we just made a few errors and a team like Chelsea can punish you,” Diangana observed.
“As a team, we’ve worked really hard out of possession so, when we’ve not had the ball, we’ve worked together and moved side to side, which made it harder for them to score.
“I think they did really well, honestly, with Bernardo winning back the ball and creating chances and Sean holding up the ball and linking up the play. I think they were very good.
“It didn’t seem like they were young, though. They played very well.”
Diangana’s next opportunity to score or assist a goal, or both, will come on Tuesday evening, when the U23s head to Devon to take on EFL League Two side Exeter City in the Checkatrade Trophy.
The Hammers played well before ultimately losing in their first Southern Group D tie at Bristol Rovers last week and the Academy product is confident they can achieve a more positive result at St James Park.
“We’re relishing the opportunity [to play in the Checkatrade Trophy],” he concluded. “Against men, we’re not giving more respect and we’re playing really well, so I think it will be a good test.”