The signing of Cheikhou Kouyate in this transfer window looks to be a very good one for West Ham. Although we cannot know for certain how he will perform in Premier League football, the 6 foot 4 inches tall Senegalese international will hopefully provide a powerful, dominating presence in the centre of midfield; something that was sorely missing from the team last season for the Hammers.
Bringing the defensive midfielder Kouyate into the side does however raise a question: just how exactly will Sam Allardyce deploy both Kouyate and last season’s Hammer of the year Mark Noble into the team for the coming season?
For me, one of Allardyce’s greatest achievements at West Ham has been the performances of Noble during his tenure at the club. Unlike with previous managers, Noble has been provided with a clear role in the team, sitting in front of the back four, where his high energy and work-rate have helped to keep opposition attacks at bay and protect the defence, whilst also putting him in the position to get on the ball to start attacks with his excellent passing ability.
Noble has thrived playing like this in the last few years, whereas in previous seasons I used to feel that he would become somewhat lost in many matches, trying to fit in as and where he could in a midfield so heavily dependent on Scott Parker.
So, whilst initially very pleased with the capture of Kouyate, a man with Champions League experience, I am a little concerned that it could affect the impact Noble has in the side. I have read quite a few comments on blogs and social media from Hammers fans recently, who are excited that the arrival of Kouyate could free up Noble and allow him to express himself with a more creative, attacking role in the team. This sounds like a very attractive idea in theory, but would it actually work out that well in practice?
As much of a fan as I am of Noble, I believe he has limitations to his game which may hinder him in a more forward thinking position. I firstly do not think that he has the speed and power in his running to become a truly box-to-box midfielder. Nor do I believe that he is a strong dribbler or has a particularly good shot on him (except for penalties), which would also negate his influence in a more offensive capacity. He can certainly pick a pass, no question about that; however, I prefer him picking the ball up from deep and finding forward thinking teammates, rather than trying to find space for himself further up the field so that others can pick him out, which is something, again, I think he may struggle with.
Another option may be to use Noble and Kouyate as two deep sitting midfielders, perhaps with each taking it in turn to occasionally help the attack further forward, whilst allowing one of Mohamed Diame, Ravel Morrison or Diego Poyet (but probably Kevin Nolan) a free reign in midfield with the extra protection that can be provided by two holding players. Indeed, it will be very interesting to see how Allardyce will look to utilise Kouyate and Noble next season, and what sort of shape the midfield will take hold, as I am pretty certain both will be starters in the team.
Whatever system is used, I very much hope that the progress that Noble has shown over the last few seasons is not stunted by a significantly changed role in the side that does not reflect his true qualities.
Let me know your thoughts. Do you think Allardyce will still play Noble in the same sort of position? Or is he capable of playing in a less restricted role?
Noble doesn’t make many forward passes. Its backwards, sidewards, slow, slow slow.
I personally think that the Kouyate-Noble partnership will be similar to the Noble-Taylor Partnership. But unlike Mark and Matt, Kouyate has a decent amount of pace in him as well as ok dribbling skills. With his sheer power and brute force he will make the sort of long menacing dribbles up the pitch like the way we once saw Diame did in the late and early parts of 2012 and 2013 respectively. While Kouyate will help in defense as well as attack, I believe Noble continuously will sit back, put in hard challenges and spray passes as he has done so well this past season.
James, think Logan may be right about Kouyate capable of runs. However not only is Noble is not only capable of sitting in and covering for him on (hopefully Toure-esque) charges. I’m certain Noble’s tenacity and bite further released further up the field by Kouyate’s presence, he will win 50-50s and knock downs and re distribute in danger areas.
Sorry know it all, I can’t agree with you. If Noble’s distribution was so unadventurous how did he end up as Hammer of the Year mate? Surely not just for being a hard worker?!
Plenty of scope for Nobes to fit in with new recruits James, hopefully he will raise his game further surrounded by a better quality of (new) team mate.
I’m with you on this one mate! I just don’t see the signing of kouyate as a problem for noble.
In the past I think mark has been criticised often unfairly, for trying to do too much and for not being superman!
With the signing of kouyate he will finally have some help in defence/midfield and the freedom to express himself in the way many of us have been hoping for.
The player who has most to fear next season, especially if things go well forward wise in the transfer window is Nolan.
He will have to prove himself again as an attacking force or he will be in trouble! Especially as he no longer has a defensive position to fall back to now as kouyate has signed.
I would also have said that diame was also at risk but after venting his desires to leave for bigger and better clubs he might not be around much longer to have this problem!
But whatever happens I think we can agree that these are indeed exciting and unpredictable times! COYI!
I very much hope your right about this Stockport and Phil, and that Noble’s game actually develops because of the cover he should receive from Kouyate. Will be very interesting to see. Only time will tell though.
Mark Noble is one our most talented players, that is not down to Sam! New players will have to prove themselves.
I love Noble but there is no room for sentiment when building a stronger and better team. But I’m sure he will still get plenty of game time only time will tell
Wouldn’t worry about Noble , Nolan starting is the real problem.
tend to agree
Think you are missing the point. Noble guaranteed place, nolan’s future more interesting. I personally cannot see anything but impact sub which means captaincy should go to Noble.
I really hope Poyet starts but we have so many midfield, wing and forward options now it will be possible to have (for the first time in Sam’s reign) true alternative options – if plan A not working, we will be able to have B, C , and even D !!!
At last the possibility of pace , forward passes , dare I say goals … Noble must go . he is far too slow and predictable for the Premiership . Thank you and Goodbye .
I think you should take up watching Netball mate, you obviously know jack shit about football!!!!!!!!!!!!
noble is a squad player at best and should be used when our best 11 are not available. he doesn’t have an attacking instinct and gives the ball away far too often. You cant fault his commitment but that alone is not enough these days as other teams strengthen their squads. if an offer comes in for him then we should sell.
spot on George
Noble is hammer of the year because he works hard for the team, does a defensive job and sees play about 5 seconds quicker than most of the other players on the field are new signings look great on paper but none of them have ground out a scrappy 1-0 win when we’ve needed it! In time maybe they’ll prove better than Nobes but at the moment they’re simply not
Koyate replaces matt Taylor who has left. Simple
I totally disagree with this whole post. Noble and Kouyate could form a formidable midfield partnership and ease the burden on our defence. Noble will try to push up and attack knowing there is sufficient cover in the form of Kouyate.
Noble is too slow to push up and even if he managed to get there he can’t shoot . Waste of space .Get rid .
The title of this article is misleading to get people to click on it on newsnow. It’s little more than a glorified fishing trip. If you think Noble will not feature, you must be mad.
Sorry Jimmy I think you must be thinking about fishing when the Hammers are playing . Noble is one paced…slow . He cant make a forward pass , tackle or shoot. He takes a decent penalty and is loyal . Full stop . Get rid if we want to progress.
He’s already said that kouyate will be used as a box to box midfielder
Will a foreigner bust a gut when were losing for the club – Diame goes missing regular – Kouyate will probably be the same like many overseas players,Mark Noble is a top player, He loves the club as much as the Fans do He for me, is the best player we have – otherwise why did he end up with player of the year – Quality Westham player – soon to become iconic like Alvin Martin – Devo – Cottee and co. always give 100% and thats all i ask as a Fan . I know we never ever win Trophys but i love a player that gives his heart for the shirt and Noble does exactly that !
Blasphemy to mention his name with these icons … He is in the Pike school of football . Runs around a lot but very slowly in mind and body !!
We need a squad. Lets not forget that. We will need all of these players during a long season. And bfs needs to pick the team and formation depending on who we play. I, for one, see all these players able to make a contribution.
Let’s be positive guys. Come on you Irons!
WTF Noble gives his all and people are ready to diss him for an unknown untried player Ahhhhh
Why have you asked this question this really annoys me Lets hope you do not have to eat your words if all these guys become another Demba and stick their fingers up as soon as they get Coverage