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Kouyate: “I don’t like my nickname at West Ham!”

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West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate says he isn’t the biggest fan of his nickname in the Hammers dressing room.

The Senegal captain has become a fan favourite since he moved to the club for £7 million in the summer of 2014, and has established himself as a versatile force in the squad.

The 27-year-old has played in a number of positions in both defence and midfield for Slaven Bilic’s men, most recently filling in at right back against Southampton and West Brom. Speaking to the club’s official website, he said:

“It’s been a very busy year for me but all players like to play many, many games, so it’s good for me because I’ve not had any injuries.

“If you’re a player and you are injured for a few weeks, it’s very frustrating, so thank God I’m feeling good.

“I know I am known as our ‘Mr Versatile’ at the moment, but I don’t really like this title! Every time we don’t have a left-back, I play at left-back and every time we don’t have a right-back, I play at right-back, which is very hard!

“I prefer to play in midfield, but every time I play, whether it is there or at full-back, I will give everything for the team. I play for the team and not for myself.”

Next up for West Ham is a trip to Vicarage Road to take on Watford on February 25th after the international break.

The Hammers will be out for revenge after their shock 4-2 loss at home to the Hornets in the reverse fixture back in September.

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Aidan Lonergan is a journalist based in Romford. He can be followed on Twitter at @ajlonergan.