Forget Rice: West Ham ace who received 100% duels is already starring on the World Cup – opinion
West Ham United have seen a number of of their gamers characteristic already at this World Cup, with Declan Rice prone to demand essentially the most consideration, having put in a formidable show as England cruised to victory,
Nevertheless, it’s with the lesser nations the place it’s arguably extra spectacular to see a star carry out, particularly when the gulf in high quality is as dramatic as between Croatia and Morocco.
While the European outfit reached the ultimate of this competitors simply 4 years in the past, the African nation had certified for under their second World Cup because the flip of the century this yr.
There additionally marked a ten-team hole between the 2 within the FIFA world rankings.
Regardless of this, in what was admittedly a poor recreation of soccer, each side have been held to a goalless draw.
It will have happy Morocco much more, particularly their staunch again 4 who defended like warriors to disclaim the likes of Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic a primary win of the competitors.
While Dejan Lovren earned the greatest ranking of anybody on the pitch, it was the Hammers’ centre-back Nayef Aguerd whose 7.3 ranking was essentially the most spectacular of any Moroccan.
This was well-earned, as his statistics denote a participant who gave his all defensively to ban an opposition boasting immense high quality.
All through his 90 minutes, he managed to make three clearances, one block, one interception and one sort out, sustaining a 100% success fee within the 4 duels he competed in (by way of SofaScore).
He would additionally marry this with a formidable 87% go accuracy as he regarded to point out a innovative regardless of his facet solely boasting 35% possession.
Having signed in the summertime for £30m, the charge raised eyebrows after the 26-year-old had impressed for Rennes.
Nevertheless, with shows like that, the financial worth will turn out to be inconsequential.
He’s but to actually kickstart his profession on the London Stadium, with accidents having restricted him to simply 4 appearances for the Irons.
For a lot of, this may mark their first actual likelihood to view their high defender in motion. Ought to he proceed to play like this, followers will probably be determined for him to get again to taking part in underneath David Moyes.