Declan and Tomas have played 212 games in two and a bit seasons
Manager David Moyes could not have been more emphatic about the fact that West Ham’s squad will get used to playing on Thursdays and Sundays this season!
He made the point big time when quizzed on whether a pattern was developing given we have suffered two defeats immediately following European victories .
He explained: ” “The answer is no, no, there’s no [concern], because we’re going to get used to it.”
That’s praiseworthy and no more than most would expect from a man who puts the emphasis first and foremost on absolute fitness.
Nor would I choose to argue with a guy who has brought us closer the the promised land that anyone could have justifiably have expected when he returned to the club.
However, it may be worth reminding ourselves at this point that the Hammers big three of Declan Thomas and Vladi have played a huge amount of games over the last two and a bit seasons.
And despite his demand that we’ll get used to it there are surely limits on how much the body can take.
Moysie has admitted that Thomas hasn’t been at his best this season and he was reported last season to be the keenest athlete inside the club – not many would disagree that he kooks leggy and weary.
In two and a bit seasons he has played 105 games at club and international level.
Vladi has shown signs that he may be a tad weary and Dec too wasn’t his normal self on Sunday.
The right back has made 94 appearances in the same two and a half season with Declan making 107. Even Aaron Cresswell – at 31 and without a natural replacement – has made 94.
I hope the boss has got it right and I’m sure he knows what he is up to but it’s easy to understand why the question was asked.