Nayef Aguerd at risk of David Moyes axe with Konstantinos Mavropanos now set for West Ham United debut
Nayef Aguerd is running the risk of losing his place in the West Ham line up after his inconsistent play disappointed David Moyes, according to Roshane Thomas.
The Athletic journalist wrote for the outlet’s website on 20 September that the Moroccan international is “aware” that there is competition for his place, with new signing Konstantinos Mavropanos “likely” to make his Irons debut in the Europa League vs Backa Topola on Thursday night (21 September).
The Greek defender came in this summer from Bayer Leverkusen with a minor injury on arrival but now has the opportunity, along with veteran Angelo Ogbonna, to had Moyes a “defensive conundrum” if he performs well.
Aguerd, 27, was linked to a departure during the transfer window but rejected interest from Europe and the Saudi Pro League, but “errors have crept into” his game, as he was sent off against Chelsea after scoring the opener, and his missed header led to Manchester City taking the lead last weekend.
Moyes said afterwards, via The Athletic: “Bad timing for their first goal right after half-time, but I was more disappointed with their second goal. I thought it was a mistake and we should’ve dealt with it much better. It really turned the game at that point.”
According to Thomas, how Aguerd now reacts will “determine how much he figures” going forward.
Threat
Aguerd has had ups as well as downs this season, since his goal in the Chelsea win gave the side a major boost and he also had a goal-line clearance from Erling Haaland against City.
On the whole his time with the Hammers since his big-money move from Rennes last summer has been a success, when he has been fit.
But with Mavropanos the new man in this year and identified as the player to turn to after the Harry Maguire debacle by Tim Steidten the former Arsenal defender can now push for a start.
Ogbonna and Thilo Kehrer are also available, with Moyes blessed with options at the back to partner new captain Kurt Zouma.
Competition for places is exactly what the manager wanted after the window shut so if he isn’t convinced by Aguerd at the moment it would be no surprise to see him turn to one of the alternatives.
It is certainly beneficial to the Hammers that the Moroccan went nowhere in the summer, and if he ups his game it is his starting place to lose, but he appears to be on notice with Mavropanos now ready to get under way.
In other West Ham news, the club are increasingly unlikely to sign a player to a new deal amid developments within the squad.