West Ham have their own version of Arsenal legend

Powerhouse midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has already impressed with just two Premier League games under his belt.

A promising performance on the opening day against Tottenham Hotspur was followed by an imperious outing against a shell-shocked Crystal Palace.

The 24-year-old Senegal international signed from Belgian side R.S.C Anderlecht this summer, and his rampaging runs with the ball have been remarkably similar to the early performances of compatriot and fellow Hammer, Mohamed Diame.

His gawky frame and awkward gait belie a player capable of intelligently reading the game and driving dangerously forward from midfield.

In a standout moment of the first half against Palace, Kouyate received the ball from Carlton Cole, shook off a tackle and released Stewart Downing on the wing. Then, in drawing two defenders towards him, he created the space for Downing to cut inside and score.

His contribution to an improving brand of football cannot be understated; he acted as a pressure sponge to allow the defenders to play out from the back, and gave Mark Noble and Mauro Zarate the room to influence in attack.

The number eight’s imposing presence in the midfield will definitely benefit Noble, as the extra time afforded to him will allow him to unleash his creativity and dictate the game.

Meanwhile, the additional room generated by Kouyate’s attacking movement should see a host of opportunities fall for the strikers this season.

There will be much cause for excitement when attacking signings Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho are introduced to the starting lineup.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes Kouyate can have a major impact on the pitch, and has already been extremely vocal in his praise of the player’s enthusiasm.

“I think he’s got the modern-day midfield player written all over him,” said the West Ham boss, who has also likened the new recruit to Premier League great Patrick Vieira.

“He’s high-energy, two-footed, great box-to-box, committed in the air, he tackles: I think it’s great to see a player that comes in with a big smile on his face every day.”

Kouyate is the necessary upgrade to create genuine selection headaches for Allardyce, who now has to effectively accommodate a host of talent across the middle.