He’s already a legend (I expect some disagreement) but at the very minimum Vlad Coufal has had the greatest of seasons.
He is right up there in the running as Hammers of the Year although being totally honest we really expect his mate Tomas Soucek to nick it in a photo finish with Declan Rice.
Having said that, if there’s a better right back in the country right now we haven’t noticed. Vlad has been phenomenal retaining an amazing level of performance all season long.
Yesterday he got his first taste of our fans and loved it – being welcomed onto the pitch with a fabulous chorus of Bubbles and before we go any further let it be said the 10,000 of them were stunning.
They certainly created more noise than any I’ve heard on any of the final two games on TV – TEN OUT TEN PEOPLE
And speaking afterwards on www.whufc.com Vlad said: “Until now I had never played in front of so many West Ham fans, and I really enjoyed it.
“Our anthem at the beginning was unbelievable and I really look forward to being at a full stadium.
“I realise what we achieved now. It was my goal. I wanted us to overcome a club record, 62 points, so it’s done now [we have finished with 65 points] and I’m really proud.
“We are now the best team in West Ham [Premier League] history. I’m very, very proud.
“I wouldn’t say I was a big reason this season,” he noted.
“I’m just one part of our squad to be honest, and I’m so grateful that we reached the Europa League for next season.
“I’m very proud of every member of my squad and team – including the medical team, the media team, and so on – everyone at West Ham.”
“We have Tomáš in our squad so it’s clear we’ll reach the final!” he laughed.
“I’m joking. We spoke with Stuart Pearce, and with the manager yesterday, and he told us we don’t have to lose against Scotland!
“I hope it will be true that we do well, and we will do everything for success in the Euros. You never know what could happen.”
He has certainly cemented himself as Legend for a season and if he and Soucek both stay they will be legends, they are players you can build a squad around, hopefully Rice also stays, if we could find his equivalent at left back we will be on fire. As for Hammer of the year, I am hoping Ogbonna wins it, he has had an unbelievable season and is just as key as the others, it would also be fitting if the whole team won it s a unit, everyone has played their part COYI !!!
While I generally don’t subscribe to the “We All are #1” concept (except for us fans), how can anyone select the best of the best this year? WHU were by far the best team, Moyes the best manager. HOTY? Glad it is not on me.
Embarrassment of riches.
Like 32, I think the team all deserve recognition and highlighting Ogbonna’s contribution is spot on. He has transformed his game in the past 2 seasons and deserves to be a Hammer of the year. However, this year, I’d just go for Soucek.
How about an individual performance of the year? So many great contributions all season but I’d go for Vlad’s complete domination of Jack Grealish. So satisfying to watch! Best right back in the Premiership for me. He’s also Signing of the Season and a worthy successor to the legendary Ray Stewart. Roll on August!
I love Coufal. Not sure if he’s a cult hero like Thomas Repka or a legend like Ray Stewart just yet, maybe give him a few more seasons, but I love the geezer all the same.