Paul Merson has claimed that Kurt Zouma will be ‘missed’ by Chelsea after he joined West Ham during the summer transfer window, as he told Sky Sports.
The Sky pundit questioned how Thomas Tuchel’s side will fair, in terms of depth, after Zouma swapped one London club for another.
It’s a big coup from the Hammers because they have been able to lure a player to the club that recently won the European Cup.
And given that David Moyes’s side will be in the Europa League this season, then Zouma’s experience on that stage will be very useful.
But Merson suggested that it was a mistake from Chelsea to allow the hard-hitting defender to leave Stamford Bridge.
“Letting Zouma go and not bring anyone in, especially when they play three at the back,” said Merson.
“You are going to call on times when probably James will have to play as one of the three, which he is more of a wing-back, for me.
“They have got cover, but if them players had to play nine, ten, 11 or 12 games during the season all in one-hit at that position, it’s going to be a lot more difficult.
“For me, I think the Zouma one, surely they would have let him go on the strength of getting Kounde in? Otherwise, they think that Chalobah will be good and I think he will be good – I think Zouma will be missed, I do think he will be missed.”
What is Chelsea’s loss is West Ham’s gain and Zouma is going to be a seriously strong addition to this growing Moyes side.
After their success of finishing in the top-six last season, the East London outfit have now started off the new season in a pretty strong fashion.
Goals galore, players ripping it up, high-intensity and entertainment all around, it would be something if Moyes can maintain their top-six status this term.
Adding Zouma is a wise move because not only does he add depth to their backline, but he also allows Moyes to play a back three more freely.
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