West Ham still need a right back despite Coufal contract
Let me begin by saying that Vladimir Coufal remaining at West Ham for another year is good news. The Czech right-back provides grit, determination, and reliability to the team. I also think he demonstrates leadership and is unafraid to take the game to the opposition.
I’m far from convinced about the merits of Kurt Zouma as captain. He appears to be quiet and certainly unable to play more than two-thirds of all games for West Ham. Having Coufal next to him helps Zouma enormously and makes the lack of a genuine captain less of an issue. Coufal’s feisty nature is also a welcome addition to the team when we’re involved in a scrappy game.
Coufal Contract should not mean Hammers ditch plans for an upgrade at right back
However, the Czech defender needs serious competition for the right-back spot. Despite all of his defensive qualities, he lacks pace and the ability to pass and move. He has started the season well and has clearly been given the license to attack more. Unfortunately, he provides more poor crosses than good ones, and there are games where a player with better technique would benefit the team.
Coufal needs competition despite contract
In short, we need to buy a player good enough to challenge Coufal and force him onto the bench. There are times during a game when Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, and Mohammed Kudus are passing in triangles. During such periods of play, Coufal lacks the ability to participate in the manner that Emerson does at left-back.