Alessandro Diamanti

There has been plenty of speculation about our latest signing; Alessandro Diamanti. Especially after his dramatic performance against Arsenal on Sunday.

West Ham signed Diamanti from Italian side Livorno. In the 2008-09 season Diamanti scored 20 goals in Serie B helping Livorno clinch promotion to the top flight. He played one game in Serie A, a 0-0 home draw against Cagliari, before signing for the Hammers on the 28th of August for an undisclosed fee.

I am always hesitant in singing someones praises after only a few games but I feel I have seen enough to venture an opinion.  One thing can be said for the Italian: when he’s on the pitch you really don’t know whats going to happen!  

The guy is really quite mad. Many people have been touting him as the next Di Canio and he seems to have taken this to heart. It is almost as if he endeavours to be as outrageous and unpredictable as possible. Shooting from 35-yards with his first touch is proof of that! His controversial penalty against Liverpool, when he seemed to kick the ball twice, was equally bizarre. The fact that he then had the audacity to celebrate so enthusiasticaly was really quite entertaining.

I have always found this sort of player extremely appealing. If he carries on with his recent successes I am sure he will fast become an Upton Park favourite.

The 26-year-old Italian is quite clearly a dead ball specialist. He scored two free-kicks in his first outing for the reserves (see the video below) and i doubt it will be too long before he puts one away in the Premier League.

 

I always try to avoid footballing cliches but he may still be adjusting to the style of the Premier League. Having only really played in Serie B he lacks experience in a top flight league. His biggest weakness seems to be an inability to have any serious impact in open play.  Lets hope the eccentric Italian ups his game further and continues to shine in the claret and blue.

West Ham seem to have a history of eccentric players. But who is your favourite?