It’s not often during an emphatic 3-1 away victory that a right-back would be receiving a large proportion of the plaudits for his performance on the night.
However, this was the case for West Ham ace Vladimir Coufal on Wednesday night, as the Czech Republic international put in a stellar display in keeping Jack Grealish quiet at Villa Park.
Coming up against the Aston Villa captain, who had been hailed the ‘best player in the league’ in the build-up to the clash by Hammers’ manager David Moyes, Coufal was exemplary in all departments, limiting Grealish’s impact. The 28-year-old won three tackles and made six clearances, the latter figure the joint-highest of any Irons player on the night (Sofascore).
The Aston Villa attacking midfielder still managed to add to his remarkable assists tally for the season in setting up Ollie Watkins’ goal, but overall his threat was diminished as the Czech full-back gave him little time and space in which to wreak havoc.
Here’s a pick of the reactions to Coufal’s own rallying cry on Twitter, with one Irons fan dubbing the defender a “machine”…
Sometimes I look like psycho on the pitch 🙈😂 but always do everything for the team. Everyone was brilliant today well done lads !!! Keep going IRONS ⚒ pic.twitter.com/WC11tQ5PKE
— Vladimír Coufal (@Coufi5) February 3, 2021
Twitter: @Coufi5 Including you mate.
You had Grealish in your pocket.
You and your Czechmate Tomàš are the best signings… https://t.co/p4CMDCcl3n (@ClaretAndBloos)
Twitter: @Coufi5 Man of the match! You’re a machine and one of the best right backs in the league
(@whu_hearney)
Twitter: @Coufi5 Fantastic job pocketing Grealish
Twitter: @Coufi5 U were phenomenal tonight mate great performance!
We’re not hard fans to please, give your all every time… https://t.co/e013GRIUwp (@rickwhufc)
Twitter: @Coufi5 One of the best players on the pitch every game. What a signing you have been Vlad!
Twitter: @Coufi5 @WestHam_Central Love it! Best Czech right back since Thomas Repka
