Whispers

Zouma looking to replicate Rice glory

Kurt Zouma, now West Ham United captain following Declan Rice’s move to Arsenal, is eyeing the UEFA Europa League trophy with fervour. Under his leadership, the team has reached seventh in the Premier League and is in its third consecutive European quarter-final. Zouma, who played a key role in the team’s UEFA Europa Conference League triumph, is hungry for more success.

“Lifting the Europa League trophy would be a dream come true,” Zouma remarked, reflecting on his journey from joining West Ham from Chelsea in 2021. He treasures the role of captain, highlighting the honour and responsibility of leading in high-stakes matches.

David Moyes is a winner-Zouma looking to replicate Rice

Zouma is looking to replicate Declan Rice by lifting a trophy with West Ham

West Ham’s journey through Europe continues with a challenging quarter-final against Bayer Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso. Despite Leverkusen’s unbeaten run, Zouma is optimistic, drawing on West Ham’s recent European experience and success.

Zouma emphasised the team’s readiness to face top-tier competition, stating, “We’re prepared to challenge the best to progress.” He believes in The Irons capability to end Leverkusen’s impressive streak and advance in the tournament, bolstered by the team’s past achievements and collective confidence.

Zouma and his teammates are certainly saying all the right things. We can only hope they are as confident on Thursday as they appear to be when talking to the media.

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Kris Gonzo (commonly known to the West Ham community as Gonzo) is the co-founder of Hammers Chat (established 2014) and the lead video content creator and columnist for Claret and Hugh.

With over a decade of professional sports media experience, he is a frequent West Ham United analyst and contributor for Sky Sports News, BBC Football Focus, and BBC Radio 5 Live. He previously served as an official video and content creator for West Ham United FC during the club's tenure at Upton Park and featured in the official documentary commemorating the historic final game at the Boleyn Ground.

A lifelong Hammer since the legendary 10-0 victory over Bury, when he isn't providing daily match analysis on the Hammers Chat YouTube Channel or broadcasting on X (@GONZObignose), he can be found walking his dog and restoring classic pinball machines.