Green Street Hammers
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Kouyate is not good enough to be a regular West Ham starter

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Mark Noble of West Ham United talks to Cheikhou Kouyate of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on April 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Mark Noble of West Ham United talks to Cheikhou Kouyate of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on April 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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West Ham have struggled with a soft centre this season. Serial offender Kouyate will need to be replaced if the club are to improve.

This season has been fairly tumultuous for West Ham. A new manager, poor recruitment and anger from the fans have been just part of it. When it comes to issues on the pitch, it’s almost all down to a soft centre. The midfield have not been pulling their weight.

With multiple combinations tried, and Obiang injured, there’s not much to sort for the season. But in terms of long term planning we need to move Kouyate on. He just isn’t Premier League standard when it comes to holding the midfield.

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Some people may point to time when Kouyate has burst up the pitch with the ball and created chances, or made big challenges in the middle. And that’s all well and good, but he just insnt consistent. I don’t trust his technique on the ball, and he doesn’t work hard enough to get back when defending.

Whilst headline positions like keeper and striker get more airtime, I think this role is crucial. The ability to trust at least two of your central midfielders to cover your defence is vital in todays game. If I was Rice or Ogbonna with Kouyate covering, I’d be eternally worried about him being beaten by the man with the ball.

In January we were linked with Belgian youngster Dendonker, and I think he could be perfect for us. The ability he has when anchoring the midfield will only grow with age, and his passing range is already impressive. There are also options in the Championship that will give the club more stability and a better long term future, like Fulham captain Cairney. This is the player who was seen attending a recent West Ham game.

Next: Moyes' negative mindset costs West Ham

Who they will end up with is anyone’s guess, but I hope it’s not Kouyate. In a time where the club is looking to push on to the next level, the gangly Senegalese midfielder doesn’t offer any comfort to watching Hammers fans.