Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has admitted that he isn’t expecting Kurt Zouma to lose his place in the West Ham XI when Nayef Aguerd returns to action.
Zouma has played every minute of the Hammers’ Premier League campaign so far this season.
His 6.88 average match rating (SofaScore) sees him rank as David Moyes’ fifth-best performer in the top flight.
However, according to Claret and Hugh, staff at the club have been concerned by the French centre-back’s form this season.
The report suggests that Zouma could be rotated out of the side with fears that he has lost a yard of pace, and with Aguerd in line for a potential return by the end of the month, that may happen sooner rather than later.
But when asked by Football Insider what he thought of the former Chelsea man losing his place, Campbell said: “Surely not.
“I cannot wait to see when everyone is fully fit.
“I would be surprised if Kurt Zouma did not play because in my eyes, he is the best centre-half they have got.
“Zouma has been nothing short of sensational for West Ham. I think he has been either pretty good or outstanding in the games I’ve watched.
“Thilo Kehrer has been a bit up and down at times, for me. Zouma is the main guy.”
TIF Thoughts on Campbell’s comments…
Who would you rather see dropped?
Zouma
Kehrer
Moyes previously chastised his players for making “poor decisions” defensively as they limped over the line against Silkeborg in the Europa Conference League last month.
However, while it remains to be seen whether Aguerd would slip straight into the starting XI, his return will make for healthy competition.
With a mid-season break ahead, the manager will have plenty of time to assess his options and will be hoping the level of competition brings out the best in his defenders as a unit.