Vladimir Coufal faces big test against Genk in bid to regain first-choice status
Since mid-October, Vladimir Coufal has gone from West Ham stalwart to having to fight to regain first-choice status – and must do so at Genk.
The defender’s injury offered youngster Ben Johnson a slither of opportunity to impress in the seemingly irreplaceable Czech’s absence. Now, a few games later, the 21-year-old’s place in the starting XI looks nailed on.
Since starting to deputising for Coufal in October, Johnson has fitted in seamlessly to David Moyes’ side, offering impeccable defensive solidity while providing attacking threat courtesy of his athleticism.
The Englishman has started each of the Hammers’ last five fixtures across all competitions, boasting an average WhoScored rating of 7.4 and accumulating an impressive 22 ball recoveries over that period – as well as a whole host of blocks and clearances.
His highlights have come in West Ham’s last two outings: against Manchester City in the League Cup and in a 4-1 Premier League demolition of Aston Villa.
Against City, the 21-year-old aided his side in ending Pep Guardiola’s four-year reign of the competition with a measured, mature and composed approach, remaining firm to the abundance of creative quality thrown his way.
Against Villa he was once more resolute and impenetrable but also a monumental threat on the front foot. It was, indeed his low, left-footed drive that surprised everyone by nestling into Emi Martinez’s bottom corner to open the scoring.
His all-round stunning displays over a short period of time have made him a Hammers favourite this season, while also keeping Coufal out of the side since the Czech’s return.
The 29-year-old’s game time has had to be managed, of course. His eight-minute stint on the field against City wasn’t wholly unexpected, although a short substitute cameo at Villa Park spelled the situation nice and clear.
Coufal will have to fight to win back his place from the glowing youngster currently in his spotlight and, expected to start against Genk on Thursday courtesy of squad rotation, has a big test to do so.
The Hammers are firm favourites to pick up the victory against their Belgian counterparts, having won their opening three Europa League fixtures by an aggregate scoreline of 7-0.
But Coufal will have to shine among his colleagues in order to get his first-choice status back.
In other West Ham news, here’s the Hammers’ predicted lineup for their Europa League clash with Genk.