Anthony Onifade

Thu 27 April 2023 7:10, UK

Roshane Thomas was left blown away by the “brilliant” defending of West Ham United centre-back Nayef Aguerd in their 2-1 defeat against Liverpool on Wednesday [26 April].

West Ham were aiming to pull further clear of the drop zone as they took on Jurgen Klopp’s Reds on Wednesday evening but failed in their attempts as they fell to a disappointing defeat.

The Hammers took the lead inside 12 minutes after Lucas Paqueta’s “incredible” strike but Liverpool clawed themselves back through goals from Cody Gakpo before half-time and a Joel Matip header.

The result could well have been much worse if not for the last-ditch defending of Moroccan international Aguerd and Thomas took to his Twitter account [26 April] to express his admiration for the centre-back’s defending.

He said: “I’ve lost count of the number of important blocks Nayef Aguerd has made in this game.

“Brilliant defending from the centre-half.”

Crucial

With West Ham United facing some hugely important fixtures in the next few weeks David Moyes will need all of his key individuals fit and firing on all cylinders and that includes arguably his best-performing defender this season Aguerd who has been a pivotal figure at the back ever since his £30m signing [Sky Sports, 21 June] last summer.

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 as was again the case against Liverpool.

Despite the result, the Moroccan proved the Hammers’ best player recording four blocked shots and four clearances and winning all of his ground duels [SofaScore] showcasing just how crucial he is to Moyes’ side.

The result will not have pleased Moyes one bit but it could have been much worse had it not been for the former Stade Rennais defender. The Hammers have got to keep him fit in the coming weeks ahead.