A West Ham United star says he can’t wait to share the pitch with one Liverpool player in particular at the London Stadium today.
Jurgen Klopp says David Moyes has turned West Ham into the ‘full package’ and a team that can now compete with the likes of Liverpool over the course of a season rather than just a one-off game.
But while this excellent West Ham side are closer than they have been for some time to being on level footing with their illustrious opponents, there is still an element of star attraction to the Reds as they come to east London.
West Ham entertain Liverpool at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon knowing a win will see them leapfrog the Reds.
But even in defeat West Ham will remain in the Premier League’s top four with almost a third of the season gone.
That perhaps more than anything shows the job Moyes has done with the Hammers.
Liverpool have an X factor not many other clubs possess, though, with the planet’s top player Mohamed Salah in imperious form.
West Ham star says he can’t wait to share the pitch with one Liverpool player
And speaking ahead of the game young right-back Ben Johnson says he can’t wait to share the pitch with Salah (whufc.com).
“He’s incredible, he’s faultless right now and he’s scored however many goals this season and he’s mirroring his form from a couple of seasons ago,” Johnson told whufc.com about Salah.
“Ever since he went to Liverpool, he’s turned the dimensions of that club on its head and he’s a player who you want to play against, of course, but you have to be wary of him at the same time.
“If I get the nod, it will be great to be on the same pitch as him as you want to challenge yourself against the best and, at the moment, he’s arguably the best player in the world. His consistency is world-class.”
It would be dangerous for West Ham’s players to pay Liverpool too much respect. There is a fine line between being in awe and overawed.
West Ham were the latter last season and as a result – in Moyes’s own words – ‘got annihilated’ by Klopp’s side.
It is great to see Johnson enjoying and relishing such a big challenge.
And based on his performances this season coming up against the likes of Salah and Sadio Mane will not faze him.
Moyes won’t allow his West Ham players to be in awe of their opponents.
West Ham must outwork Liverpool to earn the right to beat them. And that in itself is no easy task.
But Johnson and the Hammers have showed they are no flash in the pan over the last 20 months.
Let’s hope Liverpool are left in awe of West Ham later this evening.
More West Ham news:
Moyes gives it back to Moose and co with both barrels over fan attack.
Klopp shows he’s a proper football man with brilliant tribute to West Ham.
West Ham owners Sullivan and Gold make big admission in rare statement.
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