Pictures sum up everything that is great about reborn West Ham star Vladimir Coufal after the resurgence against Arsenal.
It is fitting that West Ham’s best comeback for some time was inspired by a player winning his own personal fight to get back into his own game.
It is no co-incidence that West Ham’s struggles have gone hand in hand with that of Vladimir Coufal given how influential he has been at the London Stadium since arriving from Slavia Prague.
The right-back was an absolute revelation during his first 18 months at West Ham, shackling some of the best wide men in the Premier League and bagging double figures in assists.
Playing through worsening hernia pain saw his performances dip and Coufal admits the injury and subsequent operation set him back massively.
Just when Coufal was starting to rediscover some form and fitness he suffered an unusual heel injury which kept him out for over a month.
His return to the West Ham side has helped the team record some vital results.
West Ham’s thrilling comeback in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal was a welcome return to the Hammers of old under David Moyes.
And Coufal’s brilliant display was the defender back to his best on a personal level too.
The thing about Coufal is that he “gets it”. He is the kind of player who would be loved by whatever fanbase he plays for.
He gives everything on the pitch and is very much in tune with the thinking of West Ham fans and what they want.
It was Coufal getting stuck in to Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus at 2-0 down which helped spark West Ham back into life against the Gunners.
After dealing admirably with those stars, Coufal – like many of his teammates – could have been forgiven for taking the applause at the final whistle and making his way back to the changing room.
The 30-year-old machine with 100 Hammers appearances to his name is made of different stuff, though.
Pictures sum up everything that is great about reborn West Ham star Vladimir Coufal after resurgence against Arsenal
These pictures sum up everything that is great about reborn West Ham star Coufal after the resurgence against Arsenal.
He applauded the thousands of West Ham fans who stayed long after the final whistle to cheer their team’s efforts.
Coufal then headed over to the crowd to give his shirt to a fan and return the compliments.
There is no doubt West Ham need to sign a young, pacy right-back in the summer to help share the load with Coufal.
But on this evidence, the Czech has certainly not bounced and there’s plenty left in the bank.
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