In a recent interview (via whufc.com), West Ham United‘s new signing Alex Kral revealed that he is excited for the challenge ahead after sealing a season-long loan move from Spartak Moscow on the transfer deadline day. Kral said,
“I’m really excited because it’s a big move for me and all the time if I make a move in my career I try to go step by step and this one is a big step, a big challenge, but I’m looking forward for this.
“The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and also one of the hardest, but it’s not just about playing in the Premier League. It’s about playing for West Ham, which is a club with big tradition and big history and they are in a good place, so it’s a big challenge and I’m looking forward to it.”
Kral’s Impressive Numbers At Otkrytie Bank Arena
The Košice-born talent gave a good account of himself at the heart of the Spartak Moscow midfield last season and did well to catch the eye with some solid displays in Russian football. Kral featured in 30 matches for his parent club in the previous campaign, securing five assists and three yellow cards in all competitions.
The 23-year-old proved his worth as an influential presence at the centre of the park as he averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.8 interceptions, 0.8 clearances, 0.7 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per game in the Russian Premier League last season. He was even tidy when distributing possession from midfield based on his pass success rate of 81% in the Russian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
What Will Kral Add To David Moyes’ Team?
Kral is a tough-tackling midfielder who can get stuck in with some decent tackles to hamper the opposition’s momentum at the centre of the park. He also loves to make a few hard-working runs with the ball towards the opponent’s penalty box and can even set up some clear-cut chances for his teammates in the final third.
The Czech Republic international could prove to be a shrewd loan acquisition for the Hammers as he ticks all the right boxes in terms of what is required to be a success story at the London Stadium this season. At 23, the talented midfielder has still got a lot to learn before he can establish himself as a consistent performer in top-flight football.
We can expect Kral to enhance the quality of Moyes’ match-day squad by adding some much-needed depth to his midfield department. The former Slavia Prague youngster is good enough to keep the likes of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek on their toes for the right to earn a regular starting berth at the East London club after this international break.
