Alex Kral is confident that he will make his mark at West Ham United, with he and David Moyes agreeing that a period of adaptation has to be overcome first, as he told iSPORT.
Who knows, with fellow Czech Republic international Tomas Soucek struggling to recapture the form of last season, perhaps a run of games could be heading Kral’s way sooner rather than later.
So far, the Spartak Moscow loanee has featured just once, impressing in the Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford; an experience Kral himself describes as ‘amazing’.
But despite outperforming the likes of Donny Van de Beek in front of a 76,000-strong crowd, Moyes has been wary of throwing the 23-year-old in at the deep end, leaving him on the bench for the last six Premier League and Europa League fixtures.
Kral, however, is convinced that things will look up soon, pointing out that he is still new to the league, new to the country and new to the club.
When will David Moyes hand Alex Kral his Premier League debut?
“I’ve only been at West Ham for a short time. I’ve played one game, I’m getting used to it but I think I took the chance I got (against Man United). I’m still ready and I’m looking forward to the next minutes,” said Kral, who had been linked with West Ham for over a year before finally joining.
“The coach and I realise that I gradually have to get used to the pace and style of play we want to play.
“After all, it’s something different. For example, at Spartak, we played three defenders, here mostly four.
“I need to know more about the system, the players. But I believe that I will gradually accumulate more minutes.
“I don’t think there is anything that will be a problem for me. I need to get used to training. (The sessions) are more intense. It’s something new, I just need to adapt. It’s a move up to the next level, I need to work harder and harder.”
West Ham signed Kral on loan for the season; a deal that can become permanent for an initial fee of £12 million.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
