West Ham’s ideal XI following the January window

Cheikhou Kouyate

Senegalese international Cheikhou Kouyate is currently away on African Cup of Nations duty with his country, and West Ham’s upsurge in form may make it difficult for him to regain his place in the side.

However, the 27-year-old’s solid displays in the defensive midfield role prior to leaving on international duty makes it likely that he’ll return to the starting line-up.

Kouyate has made 18 Premier League starts for the Hammers this season and, although he like many struggled in the early phase of the campaign, the midfielder has improved drastically when played in a back three or a defensive midfield role, the latter being where he was particularly effective against Swansea on Boxing Day.

Thus, you’d expect him to return to the team when he returns from the African Cup of Nations in the coming weeks.