Cheikhou Kouyate is back in form, but the West Ham United midfielder must be consistent.
Let’s face it, no West Ham United player came out of the 0-0 draw at Shrewsbury Town last month smelling like roses.
But fans of the East London club were particularly upset with Cheikhou Kouyate that day – and rightly so.
The Senegal midfielder posted a lazy, sluggish performance against the minnows to enhance the feeling that he hasn’t really improved since David Moyes took over from Slaven Bilic in November.
But the Irons’ 2-0 win over Watford on Saturday was a big reminder as to how good the 28-year-old can be.
Kouyate, who joined for £7 million under Sam Allardyce, has looked back to his best in recent weeks but his powerful and energetic performance against the Hornets epitomised his resurgence.
But it counts for nothing if he doesn’t do it next week, and the week after that, and the one after that.
Kouyate’s inconsistency incurred the wrath of West Ham fans, but he is well on the way to winning them back.
Moyes’s side are only four points above the relegation zone. There will be no Premier League survival parties just yet, but the champagne will come out a lot quicker if Kouyate maintains a high standard every week.
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