David Moyes can’t waste time on Vladimir Coufal after torrid West Ham United showing v Southampton
Vladimir Coufal endured another woeful display for West Ham against Southampton on Sunday afternoon – it’s time David Moyes loses loyalty.
Moyes fielded a strange defensive line against Southampton on Sunday, with the Hammers boss reverting to a back five and recalling Coufal at right wing-back.
But the 30-year-old Croatian was anonymous for much of the match and struggled to create anything down the right flank.
Thilo Kehrer had been deployed on the right in recent weeks and fared much better than Coufal. Moyes needs to stop giving Coufal chances and stick to what works.
No time for loyalty
Sunday’s result did mark a fifth game unbeaten for West Ham, but the performance wasn’t up to scratch compared to recent weeks.
Moyes has to partially take the blame for taking a tactical risk and fielding a new-look defence at St Mary’s. In particular, his choice to play Coufal on the right backfired massively.
Coufal was a regular star for the Hammers last season, but he looks fatigued and off the pace this campaign. Moyes spotted it and decided to swap him out for Kehrer in recent weeks, but bizarrely recalled him on Sunday.
As a result, the Hammers looked blunt and lifeless on the right, with Coufal unable to assist Bowen in creating chances down the wing.
Countless crosses ended up either in Gavin Basunu’s hands or out of play – much to the frustration of West Ham fans.
Following a poor start to the season, West Ham are still desperate for points and Sunday was a huge wasted opportunity.
Moyes can’t afford to make the same mistake against Liverpool on Wednesday night. Kehrer needs to return to right-back.