West Ham United have finally signed a player, and a decent one at that, Czech Republic right back Vladimir Coufal has signed from Tomas Soucek's former club Slavia Prague for £5.4m, Coufal, who has eight international caps, has arrived at the London Stadium on a three year contract, with a very useful option of a further two year extension.
The very experienced Champion's league player and full Czech International who featured in his country's victory over England seems happy to meet up with his 'old mucker' 'Sous Chef', he told the official club website www.whufc.com "I knew about the interest West Ham had in me for a long time but now finally I am here and I am so happy,"
Although perhaps at the upper end of Moyes' young and hungry template at he 'ripe old age' of 28 years old, the West Ham manager said Coufal is "the type of player we want - hungry, ambitious and determined, he is a proven talent with Champions League and international experience, but we believe his best years are still ahead of him here at West Ham."
Well that is one elephant in the room situation apparently addressed, but just like bus schedules the next one comes along just as quickly, in theory! The next 'Nelly' is dealing with the left back situation, we are quick to acknowledge that the much criticised Aaron Cresswell has looked far better as part of a three at the back, the fact is he is getting on in years and he himself will admit he can only get wiser, not quicker.
Ben Johnson is a superb understudy, problem is the young man has to cover both back positions at the same time, a situation that is unsustainable, Authur Masuaku is now showing what an excellent player he is, and has almost become a vital cog in Moyes' plans, but a left back he is not. So the need for an additional full back, preferably one who can play on either flank is essential.
Yes it would be nice to have in addition to a new left back a centre back, a strong midfielder and an additional striker, but adding just one more full back could end up making the world of difference. - Ed
Comments
Vlad the "IN" player!
By all accounts the guy is solid and quick thinking, Soucek recommended him and a snip at £5.4m when you consider Citeh paid almost 10 times that amount on Walker and for year now he has looked decidedly average at best. I have high hopes for Harrison Ashby and if we can keep him and hopefully Coufal will be a success then we have a ready made back up! While Johnson is still learning I fear he may end up going he way of Ngakia and he hopefully will learn from the "new" boy too.
Couldn't have put it better!
Long overdue but, our problems as a team have been at the back for at least the last two years and the signing of Coufal is a step in the right direction.
Like you said, hopefully it is the first of many as our squad needs more additions, especially the left-back position. I also happen to believe that more additions would make a big difference to the team as a whole and would give the squad and us supporters a lift also.
you cannot beat a rock hard eastern European that goes all day
My grandmother swore by them.
Lol
Nice 1 Dazza
I would rather think she
I would rather think she swore at them, give the old girl some dignity!
she always had a soft spot for you Nev
Sly old dog you.