West Ham boss David Moyes makes huge claim about Kurt Zouma when responding to a question about Nayef Aguerd.
It is fair to say Zouma has been injury-prone during his time at West Ham so far following a £29.5m move from Chelsea.
The Frenchman has had several long spells out of the side and made a comeback from the latest lay-off in the 2-0 win over AEK Larnaca in Cyprus last night.
With West Ham fighting for their lives in the Premier League, it was a welcome sight for Moyes and Hammers fans.
After recovering from his own three-month injury nightmare, £30m summer signing Aguerd had slowly been showing why West Ham fought for two years to sign him following the resumption of action after the World Cup break.
‘Real and proper’ West Ham boss David Moyes makes huge claim about Kurt Zouma when responding on Nayef Aguerd
But the Moroccan has looked shaky as West Ham shipped seven goals in back-to-back games against Man United and Brighton.
Many now see Aguerd as West Ham’s key, first choice centre-back alongside – when fit – Zouma.
Now West Ham boss Moyes has made a huge claim about Zouma when responding to a question on Aguerd.
Asked about the clean sheet and Aguerd’s form, Moyes insisted he actually sees Zouma as West Ham’s key defender and believes he makes the Hammers a ‘real and proper’ team.
“I keep repeating myself because I see things I like and I don’t like (about Aguerd’s form) – I think we’re still waiting on Nayef, we think he’s still getting used to Premier League football,” Moyes told the press after the win in Cyprus (Football.London).
“Tonight’s obviously the first time he’s played alongside Kurt, Kurt had his first game for a long time.
“There’s something about Kurt playing that just makes us look a little bit more real and proper. Hopefully we can get him in the right condition over the next month or two.”
There is no doubt West Ham look better defensively when they have Zouma – and his pace and aerial ability – in the backline.
He could be the perfect foil for Aguerd who is more technically gifted and can drive out of the defence while also having lovely passing ability.
It is such a shame West Ham have been denied this partnership all season long.
Because they would undoubtedly be higher up the table had they been playing together from the off.
We just have to hope both can now stay fit for what remains of the campaign to help keep West Ham up and – who knows – also lead them to some European glory too.