West Ham star Nayef Aguerd in ‘big difference’ verdict by Chris Sutton

Follow us on Google Discover

Chris Sutton has praised Nayef Aguerd after making a ‘big difference’ for West Ham United this season. He feels the centre-half helped David Moyes to iron out their defensive issues.

The Hammers signed Aguerd from Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais for £30m last June on a five-year contract. But Moyes could not field the 26-year-old in a Premier League match before hosting Leicester City on November 12. An ankle injury meant he required surgery last July.

Aguerd suffered the blow during West Ham’s pre-season friendly against Rangers and only returned to fitness in October. Moyes only gave the Morocco international his Irons debut in the Europa Conference League at home to Silkeborg IF during a Group B tie on October 27.

But Aguerd now holds a key role in Moyes’ defence at West Ham following a three-month lay-off earlier this season. He has started in each of the Hammers’ last four Premier League games. The 30-cap enforcer also started the Irons’ FA Cup wins over Brentford and Derby.

Moyes has so far not rested Aguerd for a second since the turn of the year. He has played beside Angelo Ogbonna the most often with five appearances in all competitions. He has also featured with Craig Dawson and Thilo Kehrer twice and Kurt Zouma only once so far.

Chris Sutton hails the impact Nayef Aguerd has made on West Ham’s season

Aguerd has impressed Sutton with what the £64k-a-week enforcer has offered Moyes and West Ham since his injury. The former Celtic striker believes the Moroccan has helped the Hammers to iron out some of the issues they endured at the back whilst he was missing.

Sutton wrote for BBC Sport: “Aguerd has made a big difference for them at the back after they had lots of problems in defence when he was injured at the start of the season.”

Across West Ham’s 14 Premier League games before Aguerd returned from his injury, the Irons only conceded 15 goals. It was the fifth-best record throughout the top-flight behind Arsenal in 13 matches, Newcastle United (11), Manchester City (12 in 13) and Everton (14).

West Ham have conceded six goals in the five Premier League fixtures in which Aguerd has featured to date. But after showing signs of promise against Leeds United during his debut start and making some good tackles against Everton, he shone brightly against Newcastle.