West Ham Opinion: What is Kouyate actually good for?

West Ham have got to look at their squad in order to improve. If they do, Kouyate’s position has to be under threat.

When looking throughout the team, it’s hardly full of standout performers this season. Arnautovic, Zabaleta and Rice are the only ones who I think can leave with some respect intact. However if West Ham were to give a worst player of the season award, I would definitely give it to Kouyate.

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To this day I am unsure of what role Kouyate actually plays. Is he a box to box midfielder? No, he’s too lazy for that. Is he a playmaker? No, his passing is awful. Is he a defensive midfielder? Nope, his positioning and willingness to get back are awful. He certainly can’t be an attacking midfielder because his touch is horrendous.

What he does have is speed and strength, and they only come out on rare occasions. Some will point to his bursting runs from time to time, or big blocks in the defensive third. Again, these only seem to be on show when he fancies it, or when he’s got so much space he literally can’t dribble the ball to into anyone else.

Any Chance of Redemption?

Since Moyes has taken over he’s really tried to get Kouyate into that box to box role. But I really can’t see him ever being good enough. Mario would be a better player in that position, because he actually has positional awareness. Add that to the fact he can actually pass the ball as well and he’s a much, much better player.

The biggest issue for me is that match after match its possible to show the goalscorer running past Kouyate to get into position, and the West Ham man does nothing. At times he doesn’t even spot him. And when he does, there’s no change of pace or anything like that, just a gentle jog in pursuit.

Next: Dave Ja vu as Moyes is too slow to act

East London has never been stocked full of beautiful players, but it’s always been full of those who give 100%. Those that do not often find themselves pushed out by fans, and it shouldn’t be long until Kouyate realizes he needs to change his attitude or leave the club.