West Ham United faced Freiburg in the first leg of the Europa League last-16 tie in Germany, and the encounter left a lot to be desired for the Hammers. While the match was characterized by caution from West Ham, one player, in particular, had a night to forget – Kurt Zouma.
The French defender’s performances have been consistently subpar since the turn of the year, making him a liability for West Ham. Against Freiburg, Zouma’s performance reached a new low, and it was evident that he struggled throughout the game.
Zouma, who was handed the captain’s armband at the start of the season, now poses a significant challenge for manager David Moyes. The decision to make Zouma skipper seems questionable, and Moyes must address the situation swiftly to avoid the defender costing West Ham valuable points in the Premier League and hindering their progress in Europe.
The 29-year-old defender’s physical condition has become a glaring issue. Zouma appears to struggle with even the most basic movements, and his overall body language suggests a player who is far from the peak of his career. His difficulties in running and passing were on full display against Freiburg, where he continuously misplaced passes, creating unnecessary pressure on his teammates.
Most concerning is the fact that Zouma has become a target for opponents, as his vulnerabilities are being exploited on a weekly basis. The physical decline is affecting his overall performance, and Moyes must recognize the urgency of addressing this situation.
In light of Zouma’s poor showing against Freiburg, Moyes faces a crucial decision – whether to persist with the Frenchman, potentially risking more setbacks, or to make a bold move and take him out of the firing line. The latter option seems necessary if West Ham is to achieve success in both domestic and European competitions this season.
Moyes finds himself in a predicament of his own making, having entrusted Zouma with the captaincy earlier in the season. However, swift action is required to remedy the situation and ensure that West Ham can move forward without being hampered by Zouma’s struggles.
As the Hammers head back to the London Stadium with a challenging task ahead, Moyes must assess the defensive issues and make decisions that prioritize the team’s success. Dropping Zouma could be a tough call, but it might be the necessary step to shore up the defense and maintain West Ham’s aspirations in the Premier League and the Europa League.