Kouyate Scouts For Slaven

Cheikhou Kouyate is known for his hard tackles and ball-winning skills, but does he have a future in scouting? In an interview with DH, Kouyate recommended some former teammates to join him at West Ham in the Premier League. While the win against Burnley at home was a step in the right direction, it needs to be noted that Burnley has only scored once on the road in the Premier League this season and has not won a single game away from home. Help is still needed to keep West Ham above the drop zone.

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Kara Mbodji would be a good signing for the team, as the Senegal international defender would be able to step into the backline for West Ham. Kouyate compared Mobodji to former Anderlecht player, and current Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany. While that might be a stretch, the fact remains that the Hammers have had one of the worst defenses in the Premier League this season and need to stop allowing goals if they want to avoid relegation.

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Another former teammate that Kouyate recommended for a switch to East London is teenage sensation Youri Tielemans. The 19 year old has already featured for Belgium and has played for Anderlecht over 100 times, including in the Champions League, and has a superb goal-scoring record for the Belgium U21 team, with 6 goals in 14 appearances. While central midfield isn’t necessarily a position of need for the Hammers at this time, snapping up a potential superstar player as a teenager is good business no matter what the situation. Good young players don’t grow on trees.

While it is not known if Anderlecht is willing to sell either of these players, or if they would even want to sign for West Ham, it is good to see that Kouyate may be trying to influence former teammates and friends to sign up and help the cause for the Claret and Blue. That kind of commitment is what is needed to keep the team playing well and advancing up the table.