El Hadji Malick Diouf proves he's exactly what David Moyes' Everton needs

El Hadji Malick Diouf is just one of the number of West Ham stars linked with Everton.

The Senegalese left-back enjoyed a stellar season in East London on an individual level.

However, with the Hammers getting relegated, it has opened the door for the Toffees to potentially swoop for the fullback.

The wide defensive positions have been an area of much criticism from fans, who are desperate to add more quality, and Diouf has what is needed.

Despite Senegal falling to a 3-1 loss versus France, Diouf managed to hold his own for a majority of the game.

And especially in an attacking sense, he ticked every box for what David Moyes needs.

How El Hadji Malick Diouf has put himself in Everton's line of sight

Everton are often timid in terms of getting the ball forward, and that can be attributed to their inability to progress through their fullbacks on some occasions.

However, with Diouf, they could solve that problem.

While Senegal were up against one of the top sides in the World Cup in France, the Everton-linked star looked to move the ball positively throughout the game.

Among his Senegalese teammates, no player completed more passes into the final third than Diouf (11) as per FotMob.

Additionally, Diouf created one big chance for the Lions of Teranga as well.

While it was not his best performance from a defensive standpoint, those qualities on progressing the ball up the pitch make him an excellent signing for Everton.

And perhaps the Senegalese contingent at Finch Farm could put in a good word on life in L3.

What the stats don't tell you about Diouf's performance vs France

Looking away from the stats, Diouf's contributions did arrive in other various moments of the game

As noticed by Senegalese outlet RTS, who state: "After excellent work by Malick Diouf on the left flank, Sadio Mane cleverly played in Ismaila Sarr, unmarked at the far post. But the Senegalese winger failed to hit the target with his shot."

If it were not for poor finishing, Diouf could have created an important goal for Senegal, as at the time, the score was 0-0. But this would not have been marked as an assist.

So, while the stats only showcase one chance created, in reality, he was involved in a lot more going forward.

In the end, Senegal would rue their missed opportunities, with both Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye expectedly disappointed alongside Diouf.

However, Ndiaye's introduction did end up changing the game, as he secured the assist for his nation's goal.

The Everton winger, who can be deployed on the left, could strike up a partnership with Diouf at club level as well.

Now, it is up to the Toffees to make the approach and finally secure a long-awaited solution to a growing problem.