Vladimir Couval produced perhaps the performance of his lifetime – I don’t know because I’ve only seen a handful of his games.
But if he has ever played better than he did against palace this evening (Wednesday) then it will have been utterly immense because I can’t remember seeing a better performance in that position for years and years.
There was a belief before the game that his confrontation with Zaha would be the element on which the game hung. In fact, it was never a contest … he made the bloke look something of a mug.
As the Palace player went through his step over and and fancy footed routine, Vladimir simply kept his eye on the ball and won virtually every challenge.
And the frustration shown by the winger on various occasions was wonderful to see and an admission of just how thoroughly Vlad had put him in his pocket.
Going forward he was amazing, providing a series of crosses and his run and cross for the sensational Haller goal was right out of the top drawer.
This guy is the best £4 million worth any club has ever spent based on what we have seen tonight and earlier in the season.
He has to receive a PERFECT 10/10 …MAYBE EVEN 11
Couldn’t agree more. Is he a dark horse for Hammer of the year?
A bit ott 🙂
But yes he had a very good game tonight , positioning , tackles, crossing . Him bowen and rice our best 3 players , despite the amazing goal.
Totally agree. Love him to bits. Everything he touched turned to gold against palace. I wasn’t expecting much for the money when he came in but oh lord, bargain of the century. One of the best right backs we’ve had at West Ham for many a year.
Agree he was excellent if we can get a left sided one also that would sort out the defence. Bowen and he can probably improve their relationship on the pitch to make both more dangerous, his crossing is brilliant.
Completely agree £5m full back putting £50m full backs to shame, did it all got fwd put in good crosses tacked backed handles Zaha didn’t out foot wrong & non stop running. Souček for Director of Football😉
Spot on, Hugh. Some debate as to who the best signing in 2020 has been – Soucek, Bowen or Coufal? Spoilt for choice!
Daze they have all been great & Souček & Bowen for Jane signings 😍 Probably best Jan window in years. If we could get even on player like them for CF or LB this January be amazing. Souček might claim it for me BC he was crucial in Coufal coming & now could helps us get Sima who I’d love to see in Jan or summer. Agent Souček! .
But at £5m Coufal has been unbelievable think we in London for 2-3 days before first game too! If can get a LB like him for £5m be brilliant.
JRS, I agree, a Coufal-level LB signing would be fabulous. I wouldn’t rule out Johnson to develop to this level in the future, however, and he can work on both flanks. I think it’s Soucek for me as the solidity and goals he has given us were crucial after lockdown, plus the Coufal recommendation (like a Czech BOGOF). I’ve often wittered on that Rice and Soucek are our own Petit and Vieira and they are both provide a threat when coming forward with the ball as seen in recent matches. My current tip for Hammer of the Year.
And by the way I’m always impressed by your encyclopaedic knowledge of European and world football!!
Agree I rate Johnson a lot. I actually think he has looked just as good if not better at LB when played in PL. He definitely was solid defensively, I would give him a chance as LWB played RWB has the pace for it. Longelo has looked very good too & stepped up in cup game he is quick strong has good left foot would be opposed to given him a go either. Like to see them on bench downtimes getting subs for 20mins. Geo Grady was introduced was the best way to do it imo. Don’t throw in bc injury but slowly introduce in solid team not 9 changes in cup game.
Agree on Rice & Souček without then we would be in trouble why I’d do worry about CM depth. If we sign two players even close to Souček & Bowen this January I’ll be thrilled.
Thanks I make it up😉 but speaking of world football I like the most recent CM link 19yo Moises Caicedo mainly just seen in Copa but looks very good box to box ability carries ball well pushing fwd & quoting €6m be a bargain these days since 4 games with International could get permit too.
Kral too who knows Souček we definitely will be looking at Czech & Fortuna Liga players which is a good bit of talent. But it’s refreshing to see younger & different transfer links to the usually tho still getting the odd Retirement link like Marcelo but always so many links. Like Moyes said be linked to everyone & their dog!
Agree about giving the youngsters some time with experience around them. Always were great players in the old Czechslovakia and Yugoslavia so I’m pleased we still look East for talent, good work ethic and value. Merry Christmas JRS.
You too Happy Holidays & stay safe
Imo we don’t see the best of Fornals because he is stuck out wide. His industry and closing down space would, at least imo, be better used more centrally. And he can pick a pass which was something we needed badly last night.
Oh I dunno Geoff, i don’t think he can hit a barn door with a barn door seeking missile. He should have about 8 goals from the last 5 matches. Lost count the amount of times he has hit row ZZ from 6 yards.
He does need to work on finishing but so do all our forwards. Tbf he wasn’t bought for goals imo never scored a lot in La Liga think 5 was biggest haul, assists 12 in at 21 tying Messi for most. His versatility, graft & hunger. Geoff I do like him more in center but he has done a job on left & Moyes likes him there bc will cover. Think Ashton said we we signed him be a stirkers dream & I do like him in #10 role or #8. We’ve gone all inverted wingers now tho Benrahma is very good on right as Natural.
**Though I think a finishing coach would help a lot of forwards as our defenders & DMs seem to finish better. Tbh if we had CM cover I’d give Souček 30mins as CF think he could do a job great with head but also with feet on poacher type goals.