Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed that new boy Cheikhou Kouyate looks set to start his Irons career in midfield.
Whilst the world at large has been claiming the 24 year old is set to fill in at the back, Anderlecht sources confirmed to ClaretandHugh last night the player’s real strength in in driving forward from the middle of the park.
And manager Allardyce has this morning confirmed that analysis revealing the player will become a key part of the team’s attacking set up.
He said: ” Kouyate is a dynamic midfielder, goes box to box and has excellent skills with both feet as well as being strong in the air.
“If needed, he can fill in at centre back but his strength will be what he can do in midfield and creating the chances we need to attack.
He added: “We’re delighted to have secured what has been one of our top targets so early in the pre-season.
Speaking to www.whufc.com he added: “The importance of getting a top target so early is vital to that player being here for the start of pre-season, especially coming from abroad.
“He can get to know his team-mates at the beginning and integrate himself and bond with the rest of the team before the season begins, we get to know what he is about and he gets to know about us.
“It has been a long pursuit, with the Joint-Chairmen, myself and Martyn [Glover] to get him, but we have got him and we look forward to seeing him in a West Ham shirt in the new season.
“He is only 24, so a good age and he was insistent that West Ham was his choice of club, Valencia and a few other top clubs were after him, but he wanted to come here and I am looking forward to him having a bright future here at West Ham.
“The importance of getting a top target so early is vital to that player being here for the start of pre-season, especially coming from abroad.
He can get to know his team-mates at the beginning and integrate himself and bond with the rest of the team before the season begins, we get to know what he is about and he gets to know about us.”
Bye-bye to Diame maybe?
Not completely convinced he is a box to box player… I believe he got his one goal in the last game of the season. But he is clearly a dynamic defensive midfielder or a very solid central defender (he was turned into a central defender before being moved back into midfield) with phenomenal tackling and aerial stats – hoping he doesn’t end up covering for a departed Winston Reid as he should give licence to Nobes to drive our new attacking mode… a genuine box to box midfielder.
I would like to add my voice to those thanking you for your efforts on this site Hugh. It has stood head and shoulders above any other serving reliable information in the whirling fog that is the transfer window. But it has been the insights into the mindset of our owners and other goings on at the club that has really set you apart. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Very grateful for all the support – many thanks everybody
So you have more knowledge of the player than the combined scouting and coaching staff of Anderlecht & whufc and as for Mark Noble being a genuine box to box midfielder??? looolllll…..priceless
Praps u need to read the manager’s comments – not sure I said I had more info mate. Welcome anyway 😉