David Moyes sees four current Hammers players are seen as being possible future managers as their playing days run out.
And possibly the most surprising is Vladi Coufal as the manager has been reluctant to use him as his first choice at right back.
But Moyes believes the Czech Republic defender’s love of the game demonstrates to him that he could well be coaching a team at some stage.
Moyes gave his opinion during an interview with Sky Sports when he was asked a series of questions and didn’t hesitate to answer.
And his comments on Coufal in particular suggest that reports he is ready to sell the 30-year-old as has been reported by various media outlets over the last few months.
He is obviously an admirer of a player who has been battling to get back to his best since an injury lay off last season.
He said: “Strangely enough I think Vladimir Coufal might be one. I see someone who loves the game, works at it and is desperate to be better at it himself. He probably would like to stay in football. I could see Vladimir Coufal doing it and maybe Tomas Soucek.
“Declan Rice, maybe. Michail Antonio as well. I think he might have other things in mind, but he’s someone who is well-versed in the lower leagues, the Premier League and with Jamaica, so you never know.”
