Disasi Signs | First Interview and Player Analysis

[stubbo-admin]

--------------------------------Analytics United on behalf of the Official Website------------------------------------
West Ham have confirmed the loan signing of Axel Disasi from Chelsea until the end of the season. After initially earning a move to west London thanks to his fantastic form with AS Monaco, the French defender will hope to quickly recapture that level as he crosses the capital to help Nuno Espírito Santo’s team throughout the second half of this season.

While Disasi’s challenges at Chelsea may initially seem concerning, Hammers fans will remember the success Kurt Zouma had in Claret and Blue after leaving the Blues in 2021 due to his own lack of consistent game time. Zouma wasn’t the first, nor the last, to blossom after leaving Stamford Bridge either. Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah confirmed their status as two of the world’s best players after their time at Chelsea and West Ham benefited again when Emerson also made the move across London, with the Italy international joining Zouma in the West Ham side that won the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The current Chelsea squad is stacked with talent at centre-back. Recent Africa Cup of Nations winner Mamadou Sarr has played the first half of the season out on loan with Strasbourg, while other young talents like Aarón Anselmino and Josh Acheampong have also struggled to break in and take a consistent first-team spot. Even Disasi’s former Monaco centre-back partner, Benoît Badiashile, hasn’t been able to nail down a permanent place in the team after he was also signed following the pair’s success together on the French Riviera.

Returning to Disasi’s first season in the Premier League to assess the data, the Frenchman’s impact on the ball immediately becomes apparent. Disasi ranked in the top 19% of Premier League centre-backs for progressive carries (1.37 per 90) and in the top 28% for progressive passes (7.94 per 90), showing his ability as a two-way progressor of play from central defence. Having starred for one of Ligue 1’s most dominant sides before joining Chelsea, Disasi has years of experience of being a playmaker for his side from defence, evolving in these conditions to become a positive initiator of attacks.

One of his strongest traits in build-up is his direct carrying, racing into gaps left by pressing opposition players and dribbling through tight spaces before supplying dangerous passes into the wingers. When on loan at Aston Villa last season, Disasi also showed a clear understanding of the importance of controlling the tempo in build-up, slowing down to bait overcommitments before bisecting the first line of opposition pressure with passes inside the opposition block. Disasi’s accuracy on the ball is also unquestionable as he ranked in the top 15% of Premier League centre-backs for overall pass completion (92.6%) in the 2023/24 season, matching this relative level of success when attempting to break lines and progress play (77.3%).

In defence, Disasi’s physical qualities stand out above others. The Frenchman is a giant at the back and uses his height and strength to enable a good level of success in aerial duels (58.8%, top 34%), regularly winning battles against strikers as soon as he is able to draw them into a physical duel. His speed is also an underappreciated part of his profile. Over his time with both Chelsea and Villa, he has proven himself capable of racing back to make vital interventions and stop forwards from playing dangerous cutbacks or taking shots when one-on-one against the keeper. He recorded 0.27 sliding tackles per 90 (top 50%) in the 2023/24 season, but the data doesn’t truly capture his ability to cover wide space in behind, where he consistently makes vital recoveries when the full-back is beaten or caught too high in transition.

As a former vice-captain of Monaco and one of the 18 French players to feature in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, Disasi brings experience and leadership to the West Ham squad. These are vital qualities for Nuno’s side and will prove crucial at the back, when the team finds itself under pressure needing to defend a lead or hold out through a period of intense pressure. Like Nuno, Disasi also knows how to help his team exceed expectations and make extraordinary achievements. Before joining Monaco, it was his impressive partnership at the back with Stade de Reims stalwart, Yunis Abdelhamid, that helped Les Rouge et Blancs to a fifth-placed finish, their best performance in the league over the last 50 years.

Finally, Disasi also brings flexibility. Having featured as both a right-back and a centre-back across his career, the 27-year-old is more than capable of filling two positions in the backline and adding his physically aggressive defensive approach wherever the manager requires it. As Jean-Clair Todibo is currently suspended, Disasi will hope to hit the ground running and help Nuno’s side sustain this run of positive performances against Burnley this weekend, where the Frenchman’s incisive on-ball contributions could prove the crucial difference-maker, converting performance into points.

[The Mercernary]

Interview with him on the official site - his auntie's made up he's signed for us!

Disasi | I’m confident we’ll be okay - West Ham United FC

Be they his coaches, teammates, his family or the Claret and Blue Army, Axel Disasi has quickly endeared himself to everyone at West Ham United.

The France centre-back arrived in east London after months in the proverbial wilderness at Chelsea. To his immense credit, he has shown no signs of rust, and has instead immediately made his mark at the heart of the Hammers’ defence.Disasi’s deadline day arrival at the start of February has undoubtedly played a big part in West Ham’s recent resurgence. In his seven appearances, the Irons have kept four clean sheets, won four times and lost just once.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s home game with Manchester City, Nuno Espírito Santo praised the 28-year-old for how quickly and seamlessly he has integrated into the squad, and Disasi himself agreed with Head Coach’s assessment.

Everyone has the same goal to make sure we achieve our objective of staying in the Premier League.

“So far, my time at West Ham has been really nice, and everything has been only positive,” he confirmed.

“My situation at Chelsea before was a little bit crazy, so it’s been great to come straight in and be part of the group, and everyone has been brilliant to me.

“The fans, the other players and the staff at the training ground, I have to say thank you to everyone, because straight away I felt part of the family, and that I am in the right place.

“There were a few players I knew or knew of before I arrived here, such as Alphonse [Areola], JC [Todibo] and Soungoutou [Magassa], which made the integration even easier.

“With Soungoutou, I saw him come through and make the transition from Academy to professional at Monaco, so it’s been nice to link up with him again and to see him doing well.

“It’s nice to have faces around that you know, but honestly everyone has been very friendly with me, and I’ve been made to feel very comfortable here right from the start.

“I think there’s real togetherness within the squad, and everyone has the same goal to make sure we achieve our objective of staying in the Premier League.

“When I arrived here, I realised that everyone is fighting together. Everyone knows we’re in a situation that none of us want to be in, and you can see that we have the quality to do much better.

“We just have to keep sticking together and build on what we’ve been doing over the last few weeks, and I’m confident we’ll be okay.”
Iron Cast | Axel Disasi 16 Feb 26

Along with all the reasons he has mentioned, Disasi has one extra incentive to help keep West Ham in the Premier League…“My family were pleased for me that I got the move, particularly my Auntie who lives in Stratford and is a West Ham fan!” he smiled.

“My Mum is from Angola and my Dad is from Congo, and though we grew up near Paris, my Auntie is over here in London. She was really happy when I moved to Chelsea in 2023, but she was even happier when I signed for West Ham!

“When I was growing up, West Ham to me was seeing players like Dimitri Payet score his free-kicks, because he had a big following in France. To be following in his footsteps, as well as players like Demba Ba and Saïd Benrahma, who I used to enjoy watching, is really cool.“My cousin has been to watch me at London Stadium, but not my Auntie yet. We need to make her a guest of honour here soon!”

[fraser]

“If I say everything, maybe I will get in trouble!” Disasi told The Athletic following the FA Cup fifth round penalty shootout victory against Brentford. “It was very tough watching games every weekend on the TV. So I just waited for my time and that’s why now I’m just enjoying it, because I know what it feels to be in front of the TV and not on the pitch. “So I try to enjoy every moment, because I know that it’s not guaranteed. I learned to be more patient and to stay professional, even if the circumstances are hard. I had the help of my family, and they helped me stay in good shape. “So far my experience (here at West Ham) is very nice. At the moment, when I’m on the pitch the feeling is great. Obviously, before, it was not the case for me. But I’m just enjoying playing again.” When asked about the possibility of a permanent transfer, Disasi said: “We still have nine games to go so I don’t want to think about this for the moment. “ just want to enjoy my time. I needed to play and especially in my position because it’s something that I missed last season (at Aston Villa), when I was playing out of position. The manager has allowed me to express myself.”


I hope we don't sign this unfit cart horse disaster and sign Harwood - Bellis instead cunting club going for the cheap option 

[Takashi Miike]

[Mad Ferret]

Sign the big cսnt.

Have to stay up first.

[Dick Shaftsbury]

Sign the big cսnt.

[Manuel]

Stavros and Todibo both look so much better playing alongside Disasi, who is a very good, no thrills defender and excellent team-player.  He could finally be the replacement for the player we really miss, Ogbonna

Tbf Stavros and Todibo were both looking good before Disasi rocked up, and Todibo has hardly played with him? I liked Ogbonna, or was it Dogbonna, but for me Disasi is a level above.

[riosleftsock]

Stavros and Todibo both look so much better playing alongside Disasi, who is a very good, no thrills defender and excellent team-player.  He could finally be the replacement for the player we really miss, Ogbonna

[Eastside surge]

---

proper double edged sword for us really, if he continues to look good and keep his place Chelsea will either want him back or want too much money for him ( well more than we’ve got at least)

[Tomshardware]

Blokes a monster.

[Alfs]

It shows the strength and depth of the Chelsea squad where he couldn't get a look in.

[zico]

Said it before he is a proper defender.  Would love to have seen him and Dawson play together, or even next to Zouma or Oggy at their best.  Would love him to stay but suspect not only staying up but finances would have a say on that.

[Tomsdad]

It's between him and Fernandes for signing of the season so far.

His reaction to last night's win shows me he is all in for West Ham.

[Monsieur merde de cheval]

Disasi looks like a geezer who can take your best punch and laugh in your face

[Monsieur merde de cheval]

Can't agree on Todibo over Mavropanos. Todibo hasn't really offered his ball carrying or creative side to any great effect, ha been consistently bad in the air (which was expected as he always was), and inconsistent in his ground duels. 

Mavropanos has been the best around defender. Good in the air, good in the tackle, been timing his jumps well, carried well....he's just been better all around.

For me Todibo is a classic "back 3" defender, where the aerial side of things as a wide centre back is less problematic. And I do like the player....but he's simply as of now our third best option. Disasi is better all around, and Mavro has been better all season. 

Todibo looks the part but has no bollocks

[Monsieur merde de cheval]

We can't drop Mav tomorrow ...that would be harsh and unfair...the boy has stood up lately.
Besides , two frogs at the back doesn't exactly inspire confidence 
 

[El Scorchio]

To be fair it makes a nice change to be debating which centre back is better rather than which is shitter. 

[dealcanvey]

I'd be surprised if Mav was dropped tomorrow. Dont think Nuno will do that. He might go 3 cbs which at home to Bournemouth I would be against that decision.

As for Disasi, I like him. Bit of a lump like Zouma but bit more mobile! If we manage to stay up he can stay.

[stubbo-admin]

Can't agree on Todibo over Mavropanos. Todibo hasn't really offered his ball carrying or creative side to any great effect, ha been consistently bad in the air (which was expected as he always was), and inconsistent in his ground duels. 

Mavropanos has been the best around defender. Good in the air, good in the tackle, been timing his jumps well, carried well....he's just been better all around.

For me Todibo is a classic "back 3" defender, where the aerial side of things as a wide centre back is less problematic. And I do like the player....but he's simply as of now our third best option. Disasi is better all around, and Mavro has been better all season. 

[Manuel]

Nah, I think you're reading too much into Mav starting last week, he pretty much had to play as Todibo couldn't and Disasi needed a rest. I'm expecting Mav to rightly retain his place. You don't drop a player who has been in top form like he has. But as you say nice to have some good options regardless.

Todibo has only been playing well since around Nov, was getting pelters before that, so a bit of a stretch to say he's been our best defender this 'season' unless the season started in November.

Not really, not if they were all shit before November as they were and since then he's been easily the best for me, I sit in line with the corner flag and he's been assured and calm and saved our bacon numerous times, all about opinions obviously but I've always thought there was a good player in there and just needed to get fit and have a decent run in a team coached properly and of course look fit which he didn't the entirety of last season and fuck knows why that was. 

Yes, they were all woeful before Nuno and since Nuno mav and Todibo have both really improved but if I’m picking one of them to start a game it’s Todibo. It’s harsh on Mav especially considering how he’s also come on, but Todibo is a better all round player. 

I think we would agree that Todibo is the better, cost 35 mil and was sought after by Man Utd and Juventus. The main chat here is who starts tomorrow and for my money Mav retains his spot and rightly too. Then again he might go with a back 3/5 anyway.

[El Scorchio]

Todibo has been our best defender this season but Mav and Disasi have both played very well it is a tough call. I have a feeling he will go Disasi and Todibo because Mav was the only first 11 player he risked last week. But nice not to be worried by any combination and knowing Kilman won't be starting 

Nah, I think you're reading too much into Mav starting last week, he pretty much had to play as Todibo couldn't and Disasi needed a rest. I'm expecting Mav to rightly retain his place. You don't drop a player who has been in top form like he has. But as you say nice to have some good options regardless.

Todibo has only been playing well since around Nov, was getting pelters before that, so a bit of a stretch to say he's been our best defender this 'season' unless the season started in November.

Not really, not if they were all shit before November as they were and since then he's been easily the best for me, I sit in line with the corner flag and he's been assured and calm and saved our bacon numerous times, all about opinions obviously but I've always thought there was a good player in there and just needed to get fit and have a decent run in a team coached properly and of course look fit which he didn't the entirety of last season and fuck knows why that was. 

Yes, they were all woeful before Nuno and since Nuno mav and Todibo have both really improved but if I’m picking one of them to start a game it’s Todibo. It’s harsh on Mav especially considering how he’s also come on, but Todibo is a better all round player. 

[fraser]

Todibo has been our best defender this season but Mav and Disasi have both played very well it is a tough call. I have a feeling he will go Disasi and Todibo because Mav was the only first 11 player he risked last week. But nice not to be worried by any combination and knowing Kilman won't be starting 

Nah, I think you're reading too much into Mav starting last week, he pretty much had to play as Todibo couldn't and Disasi needed a rest. I'm expecting Mav to rightly retain his place. You don't drop a player who has been in top form like he has. But as you say nice to have some good options regardless.

Todibo has only been playing well since around Nov, was getting pelters before that, so a bit of a stretch to say he's been our best defender this 'season' unless the season started in November.

Not really, not if they were all shit before November as they were and since then he's been easily the best for me, I sit in line with the corner flag and he's been assured and calm and saved our bacon numerous times, all about opinions obviously but I've always thought there was a good player in there and just needed to get fit and have a decent run in a team coached properly and of course look fit which he didn't the entirety of last season and fuck knows why that was. 

[Manuel]

Todibo has been our best defender this season but Mav and Disasi have both played very well it is a tough call. I have a feeling he will go Disasi and Todibo because Mav was the only first 11 player he risked last week. But nice not to be worried by any combination and knowing Kilman won't be starting 

Nah, I think you're reading too much into Mav starting last week, he pretty much had to play as Todibo couldn't and Disasi needed a rest. I'm expecting Mav to rightly retain his place. You don't drop a player who has been in top form like he has. But as you say nice to have some good options regardless.

Todibo has only been playing well since around Nov, was getting pelters before that, so a bit of a stretch to say he's been our best defender this 'season' unless the season started in November.

[fraser]

Todibo has been our best defender this season but Mav and Disasi have both played very well it is a tough call. I have a feeling he will go Disasi and Todibo because Mav was the only first 11 player he risked last week. But nice not to be worried by any combination and knowing Kilman won't be starting 

[Manuel]

Knew nothing about him, wasn’t inspired when he signed, but he’s looked solid since he’s played. 

Does keep his place though? Would be hard to justify dropping Dinos who has certainly turned a corner. 

I think Todibo has to win his place back, old school style. It wasn't so long ago we were calling him a carthorse etc. He may even play all 3. 

[Tomshardware]

To be fair to Disasi he wanted assurances he was going to play games and you can't blame him.