David Moyes has confirmed he will unleash Nikola Vlasic in West Ham United’s final Europa League group stage tie against Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday, via quotes by football.london.
The Hammers welcome Modri to the London Stadium seeking to go unbeaten through their six European fixtures. Moyes’ men have already guaranteed a spot in the last 16 as Group H winners, while Dinamo Zagreb must avoid defeat to advance to the last 32 as runners-up.
West Ham beat the Stadion Maksimir side 2-0 on the opening night of the Europa League in September. The tie also marked the Irons’ first ever in the group stage of the competition. They have since beaten Rapid Vienna (twice) and Genk, while drawing with the Belgians.
Vlasic has featured in four of West Ham’s five group stage ties so far after missing their trip to Genk in November. He also registered his first assist of the round in Vienna last time out.
Andriy Yarmolenko’s header to break the deadlock at the Allianz Stadion was the first goal Vlasic has been involved in since joining West Ham in a £27m transfer from CSKA Moscow.
Moyes accepts Vlasic has had slow adaptation since West Ham transfer
Moyes accepts Vlasic has had a slow adaptation to his system since joining West Ham this summer. But the 24-year-old, whose transfer can reach £34.5m after add-ons, pleased the Irons boss with his performance against Dinamo Zagreb earlier in the Europa League term.
“We like Nikki a lot,” Moyes said. “I think he’s taken a little bit of time to settle.
“I think the more games we can get him [will help Vlasic settle]. He’ll get plenty of game time in the future because of the situation with the games and the amount of games we have to play through the winter here in England.
“So yes, he’ll play tomorrow night. He played in the first game, and he played well for us. So, we’ll give him the opportunity to show it again [on Thursday].”
Moyes has awarded Vlasic four of his six West Ham starts so far during the Europa League group stage, ahead of facing Dinamo Zagreb. His only other inclusions in the Irons’ line-up came against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup and Man United in the Premier League.
His opening call against the Red Devils also came in September after his Irons bow at Southampton. Vlasic has since only played 32-minutes over 10 possible league fixtures.
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