West Ham centre-back Kurt Zouma has had an excellent start to the season for the Hammers.
The France international was named player of the match after the 2-1 win over Luton Town last week and his performances have been consistently high in general since the campaign got underway.
Fans on X have been paying tribute to Zouma, and some have been wondering why supporters from other clubs don’t give the 28-year-old the respect he deserves:
Monster 😊
— Hammer Ed ⚒ (@HammerE73132426) September 6, 2023
Been on top form recently!⚒️
— Isaac (@IsaacWHU_) September 6, 2023
I said he was our best cb a few months ago (ahead of Aguerd) and got told I knew nothing, it seems like our fans are really starting to appreciate just how good Zouma is
— mightyhammers (@Falln2V) September 7, 2023
Starts for all of them but City.
— Seattle/Tacoma Hammers (@SeaTacWHUFC) September 8, 2023
If he wasn’t so good, he would not get the grief.
— Steve Marsh (@Marshy5564) September 7, 2023
They disrespect him because they want him,, a hint of jealousy, so to speak, 👍🏆👈
— WEST HAM DAVE (@davehammer1967) September 8, 2023
Zouma is a divisive figure
While the defender deserves huge credit for the way he has started the season, it should be pointed out that his form has been pretty inconsistent since he arrived from Chelsea for £30m just over two years ago.
Zouma has also had his fair share of injuries, having missed 23 matches due to ankle, knee and hamstring problems. You have to take into account his off-field issues too.
West Ham are a better team when Zouma plays
Over the last two years, the Hammers have averaged 1.43 points in the Premier League when the Frenchman makes an appearance.
That average over the course of the season would put David Moyes’ side in contention for European places, which demonstrates Zouma’s importance to the team.
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