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David Moyes loses confidence in Vladimir Coufal as West Ham United exit talk emerges
Vladamir Coufal’s time at West Ham could be coming to an end, with Sky Sports journalist Marlon Irlbacher reporting “positive talks” with Bayer Leverkusen.
After being such a dependable figure for David Moyes during his first two seasons with the Hammers, Coufal has fallen down the pecking order at the London Stadium.
Moyes has preferred to deploy either Ben Johnson or Thilo Kehrer on the right flank and The Times even suggests that the West Ham boss has “lost confidence” in the 30-year-old right-back.
“The summer signings were to help Moyes move towards a team that better controlled possession rather than defending deep and playing on the counterattack,” wrote The Times’ Gary Jacob.
“Yet when they pressed higher to suit the strengths of [Gianluca] Scamacca and [Lucas] Paqueta, Leicester City exposed their lack of defensive pace.”
“Kehrer struggled as a makeshift right-back, where he is used because Moyes has lost confidence in Vladimir Coufal.”
With the Czech international now falling out of favour in east London, Irlbacher has reported “positive talks” between West Ham and german outfit Bayer Leverkusen over a potential deal.
Time to sell
If an offer does come in from Leverkusen or any other potential suitors, West Ham would be daft to reject any fee for Coufal.
He came in and steadied the defensive ship at West Ham, but was never a long-term option that would help progress the Hammers to becoming a top team.
He no longer suits the style that Moyes is trying to implement, so he needs to go. There’s no room in this West Ham squad for loyalty towards players, so the board need to act swiftly and made sure Coufal gets first-team football elsewhere.
As for the right-back position, it’s an area that desperately needs addressing. While both Kehrer and Johnson have had strong performances there this season, it is not their strongest position on the pitch.
Jarrod Bowed needs a reliable partner on the right, as he is currently being forced to constantly track back and defend a full-back that is being played out of position.
A natural and modern full-back is needed, and not only will it tighten up the defence, but it will also free Bowen up to go forward more frequently.