West Ham full-backs should be worried amid links to Southampton ace
Full-back is one of the most key positions in the West Ham system but a reported link to Kyle Walker-Peters poses a real threat to the current players.
Emerson Palmieri and Vladimir Coufal possess very different qualities on opposite sides of the pitch. The former’s passing accuracy outweighs Coufal’s, while the latter’s tackle success is superior.
It seems that the two combined could create a super-full-back. But that player may already exist in Southampton’s Walker-Peters, with the Englishman linked with a move to London Stadium, as per talkSPORT. [14 December]
While both current full-backs are fan favourites, there is little to no cover if either is unavailable on a matchday. Aaron Cresswell proved why he had only been given two starts this season against Fulham, with Ben Johnson nowhere to be seen.
Not only would Walker-Peters give Moyes an extra choice and a backup, but he would potentially take one of their spots in the starting XI. Although primarily a right-back, he is capable of switching sides to left-back.
Emerson’s passing accuracy of 83 per cent ranks higher than Coufal’s 73 per cent, but both are blown out of the water by Walker-Peters’ 91 per cent pass completion. [FotMob]
It would be possible to argue that because Southampton are in the Championship, it is easier for the player to maintain a better record. But looking back at his previous Premier League seasons, the right-back has an average of 80.5 per cent pass rate throughout four full seasons in the top flight.
The young defender has plenty of experience in the top tier with Southampton, as well as five years as an outsider at Tottenham Hotspur, learning from some very esteemed players in North London.
Walker-Peters has also won a higher percentage of tackles, boasting a rate of 75 per cent to Emerson’s 67 per cent and Coufal’s 70 per cent.
Integral to the Saints’ style of play, the 26-year-old is also a skilful dribbler, completing 68 per cent of his attempted dribbles. It seems that West Ham are targeting a monster in defence capable of everything the Hammers possess in individuals but as one person.
If West Ham manage to pull off the signing during the January transfer window, both Emerson and Coufal should be scared that their permanent positions in Moyes’ starting XI are at risk.
In other West Ham news, the highest source at the Hammers has issued an update on a 2023 award winner to replace David Moyes as sack news emerges.