Kevin Nolan wowed by Nayef Aguerd as ‘best signing’ at West Ham United
West Ham first-team coach Kevin Nolan named summer addition Nayef Aguerd as the club’s “best signing” this season.
The Moroccan international, a £30million signing [Sky Sports, 21 June] from French Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, has enjoyed a steady first campaign in the Premier League, despite the club’s disappointing position in the league table.
Nolan was speaking to the Football Daily Podcast on 10 March after the Hammers finally turned their recent fortunes around in midweek with a European win on Thursday (9 March), and admits the 26-year-old has impressed despite his injury issues this season.
He said [18m: 54s]: “Nayef, unfortunately, at Rangers in the second or third preseason game goes down with an ankle injury and he’s out for three months.
“He’s probably been our best signing if you like this season because he’s been able to look from afar and go actually, I know what this is about, because he’s been around the environment.”
Future leader
Aguerd has indeed had his fair share of injuries this season, especially after his tremendous exploits at the World Cup for Morocco in Qatar, but when he’s been in the team, the 26-year-old has shown how crucial he is and can be for the club.
The Hammers have undergone a difficult and disappointing Premier League campaign this season, especially with the quality of signings Moyes made last summer.
Lucas Paqueta, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet and Thilo Kehrer have all endured indifferent campaigns so far, and Nolan is right Aguerd has been the best of the lot.
The Moroccan international has already attracted interest because of his impressive performances, with Liverpool reportedly interested in his services this summer.
With the club set to undergo much change at the end of the season, the Hammers must ensure Aguerd remains at the London Stadium for the long haul, as the defender holds all the qualities and attributes needed to be a future leader for the club.