Premier League legend Martin Keown admits he was “very impressed” by West Ham United’s Europa League victory at Dinamo Zagreb last night, singling out Michail Antonio, Declan Rice and Kurt Zouma while speaking to talkSPORT (17 September, 10am).
Playing their first European game (excluding qualifiers) since the likes of Jonathan Spector, Javier Mascherano and Lee Bowyer were humbled 3-0 by Palermo 15 years ago, David Moyes’ Irons threw themselves into the fire against a Dinamo side that battered Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur as recently as March.
A fifth goal of the season from Michail Antonio preceded a stunning individual effort by Declan Rice. The England international showcased the aggression, energy and ball-carrying skills that have made him one of Europe’s most promising midfielders as the visitors cruised to three well-deserved points at the Stadion Maksimir.
Can West Ham go all the way in the Europa League?
“Very impressive. They produced a performance that reflects their manager – diligent, hard-working and extremely professional,” says former Arsenal hero Keown, praising a much-changed Hammers side containing Manuel Lanzini, Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks.
£25 million midfielder Nikola Vlasic also made his full West Ham debut in his Croatian homeland while Zouma, a £29 million signing from Chelsea, also looked the part on his first appearance for the club.
“Antonio looked very good. For a team that hasn’t been part of Europe for 15 years, they slotted back very well,” says Keown.
“Declan Rice was wonderful travelling though midfield. He no longer looks like a defender playing in midfield. He looks like a proper midfielder now. (West Ham) looked very good.
“Zouma getting his debut… there’s competition for places.”
One thing’s for sure, the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Said Benrahma and Vladimir Coufal can’t afford to let their lofty standards slip with the likes of Zouma, Vlasic and Fredericks waiting in the wings.
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