Report explains West Ham absences of Balbuena & Coufal v Southampton
West Ham United made a number of changes to their side for the 0-0 draw against Southampton on Tuesday evening.
David Moyes dropped both Fabian Balbuena and Vladimir Coufal out of his defence, with Craig Dawson and Ryan Fredericks coming in.
Coufal was placed on the bench at St. Mary’s, but Balbuena missed out completely on the south coast after featuring against Brighton days before.
Claret and Hugh have explained the reason behind dropping both of the defenders.
Coufal being named on the bench highlights he was fit and was just in need of another rest after the busy Christmas period in the Premier League.
Balbuena caused panic when missing out completely, but it has been reported that he was also just being rested after his recent injury problem.
The Paraguayan international has seen his Hammers career revived in this season, and Moyes will have been delighted with his improvement.
Issa Diop partnered Angelo Ogbonna last season mainly, but Balbuena has placed him on the bench and easily cemented his place at the London Stadium.
No one who has made more than one start has averaged more clearances per game than Balbuena according to WhoScored, with his presence pivotal to this new back-five.
Coufal has also made the most tackles in the squad, a stat that proves that both of these defensive options have been incredible for the Hammers this season.
This rest will allow them to come straight back in for this weekends’ clash against Everton at Goodison Park.
In other West Ham United news, Frank McAvennie shares verdict on future of Declan Rice