West Ham United are struggling and a number of players are playing for their futures in the next few months.
West Ham boss David Moyes has been bemoaning a distinct lack of midfield options since he took over from Slaven Bilic last month.
That has not been helped by an injury to Mark Noble and has only been exacerbated by the rank awful form of Cheikhou Kouyate.
The Senegalese has literally gone from monster to mouse for West Ham since signing from Anderlecht.
In his first two seasons Kouyate was arguably the club’s most important player. His all round game, boundless energy, bravery, crucial goals and ability to slot in at centre back when needed made him a crucial asset to the East Londoners.
This season, though, Kouyate has been woeful. Yes he has struggled with injuries but when fit the midfielder just does not have the same impact on the team nowadays.
It has been one of the main talking points of West Ham’s season so far that Kouyate has looked so out of sorts.
The marauding midfielder has similar qualities to the great Patrick Vieira but they have rarely been on show in the last 18 months.
Since Moyes’ arrival Kouyate has looked lost in central midfield and was chasing shadows as the Hammers shipped six goals in their last two games taking just one point from matches against Newcastle and Bournemouth.
Often linked with moves to both Tottenham and Liverpool, perhaps Kouyate wants out of East London?
With January around the corner the club might well cash if they can use the money to sign someone like William Carvalho or Steven N’Zonzi. But Kouyate’s poor form makes for a hard sell.
Kouyate looks a better player with Mark Noble protecting the midfield area behind him but has been too lightweight this season when West Ham need him most.
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