Vladimir Coufal insists West Ham United are not weaker after Declan Rice move to Arsenal
Vladimir Coufal insists West Ham are not weaker as a result of Declan Rice joining Arsenal as he praised the way new signing Edson Alvarez has settled in.
Rice’s decade-long association with the Hammers came to an end in July when he joined fellow Premier League side Arsenal in a £105million deal.
Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse were brought in as midfield replacements and have both quickly adapted to life at the London Stadium, much to the delight of Coufal.
“Edson is a very good guy and has settled in very well,” he told The Athletic [4 September]. “He’s a good character in the changing room and very committed.
“You can see it in the sessions – he suits our changing room. We sold Declan and lost a captain but I don’t think we are weaker.
“We did a really good job getting players and the team has changed a lot since I signed for the club. I am still surviving.”
Strength to strength
West Ham have made a strong start to their first season without Rice in the first team since 2015-16, as they have taken 10 points from the first 12 on offer.
Alvarez and Ward-Prowse have both played key roles in helping the Hammers to an unbeaten start, which most recently saw them defeat Luton Town 2-1 on Friday [1 September].
Many expected the sale of Rice, and the long time it took West Ham to finally bring in a replacement, to spell serious trouble for the Hammers.
But full credit must go to David Moyes and the board for some shrewd activity in the summer transfer window.
Rice has himself settled in well at Arsenal and is already a fan favourite following his late goal against Manchester United in his side’s 3-1 win on Sunday [3 September].
Watching Rice celebrate with Arsenal fans would have hurt West Ham supporters, but they can take solace from the fact that they are doing just fine without their former captain.
Long may it continue.
In other West Ham news, vice-chair Karren Brady has revealed the player Moyes wanted to sign more than any other.