View: Nayef Aguerd can help West Ham United fans get over Craig Dawson heartbreak
Nayef Aguerd made his long-awaited West Ham debut on Thursday night, and the 26-year-old had the London Stadium on its feet by the time he left the pitch.
After joining West Ham for £30million in the summer [BBC], there was plenty of excitement around Aguerd’s potential in east London.
However, the Moroccan defender suffered an ankle injury in the club’s pre-season tour and had to wait until Thursday night to make his professional debut for the club.
It was a worthwhile wait. Aguerd looked extremely comfortable and composed at the back, and while he wasn’t tested much by a tame Silkeborg side, he showed glimpses of excellence.
The London Stadium clearly picked up on it, as he was given a standing ovation for his efforts when substituted off in the 76th minute.
Despite coming off early, Aguerd still finished the game as the outfield player with the most passes (88) [The Athletic] while also winning 100% of his ground and aerial duels.
It was certainly an exciting glimpse at a player that could offer West Ham so much in the long term, and it’s bound to have put a smile on David Moyes’ face.
Especially considering the precarious position the Hammers find themselves in with much-loved centre-back Craig Dawson.
The Athletic reported that Dawson came close to leaving West Ham over the summer as he understandably wants to be closer to his family in Cheshire.
West Ham ended up holding onto him due to Jan Bednarek’s loan move falling through, but Dawson’s intentions likely remain the same.
It’ll be a sad sight the day Dawson leaves West Ham, but Aguerd’s emergence might have come at the perfect time to help Hammers fans get over the heartbreak.