Olympiakos kickstart their Champions League campaign with a group stage game against Tottenham Hotspur tonight. And West Ham have the opportunity to scout one of their key targets against Premier League opposition.
Leonardo Koutris was a West Ham target in the summer. But the move failed to materialise. However, the Hammers might be keeping an eye on his progress this season.
Olympiakos host West Ham’s rival Spurs in the Champions League tonight. This is the perfect test for Koutris and West Ham scouts can analyse whether the full-back is good enough to be playing in the Premier League.
Leonardo Koutris
Several reports over the summer (including this one from Football London) claimed that Koutris was a West Ham target. Mario Husillos – West Ham’s Sporting Director – is reportedly a big fan of Koutris.
The Hammers were mulling over whether to sign a new left-back and Manuel Pellegrini eventually decided not to. Koutris is a potential replacement for Aaron Cresswell and he could provide competition with Arthur Masuaku.
The Brazilian-born Greece international has been a regular again this season and displayed his talent with two assists in three league games. This shows his attacking prowess but his defensive work will be challenged by Tottenham tonight.
Mauricio Pochettino has a number of players available on the wings. Son Heung-Min, Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli could all line up on the right-wing. Whoever it is, Koutris will not have an easy ride and this will be the perfect opportunity for the Irons to check whether he is good enough.
West Ham did not sign a left-back last summer but could reignite their interest in Koutris if this becomes a priority in January. The 24-year-old certainly has potential so tonight’s audition against Spurs will give West Ham clues about his ability to cut it against Premier League players.
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