Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points in Matchweek 21.
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West Ham United’s full-backs have played a huge part in the team's progress this season.
Aaron Cresswell has enjoyed a new lease of life on the left since the start of 2020/21, playing arguably the best football of his career.
On the right, Vladimir Coufal, who was bought from Slavia Prague in the summer, has been a consistently influential performer.
Both have been outstanding since David Moyes reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation, but the pair also excelled in the 5-4-1 system used by the Scot earlier this season.
Cresswell was superb as a left-sided central defender while Coufal shone as an attacking wing-back in that shape.
Making valuable contributions on and off the ball, it is hard to think of too many full-back pairings that have been more dependable.
Cresswell statistics
| 2020/21 | Total | PL defender rank |
|---|---|---|
| Chances created from set plays | 17 | 1st |
| Passes into final third | 213 | 1st |
| Assists | 5 | 1st= |
| Successful crosses/corners | 35 | 2nd |
| Chances created | 30 | 2nd |
| Possession won | 122 | 2nd |
Cresswell’s left foot has been a great asset in recent months. He has made five assists, with three stemming from set-pieces.
Cresswell's assists v Leicester
In fact, the only Premier League players to create more opportunities from corners and wide free-kicks than Cresswell's 17 are Mason Mount (28) and James Ward-Prowse (19).
In general play, Moyes likes to use narrow wingers, so when Pablo Fornals or Said Benrahma float inside, Cresswell naturally overlaps to good effect.
The 31-year-old boasts all-round quality as a terrific ball-winner and also a full-back happy to make progressive passes.
Bargain buy
Coufal has quickly established himself as Moyes’ first-choice right-back.
Establishing a strong relationship with Jarrod Bowen, the attack-minded Czech has exceeded expectations at London Stadium.
The 28-year-old's three assists have all been at home, where he likes to fly forward and deliver quality balls into the box.
Andrew Robertson and Reece James are the only top-flight full-backs to produce more successful crosses in open play.
Coufal statistics
| 2020/21 | Total | PL defender rank |
|---|---|---|
| Successful open-play crosses | 17 | 3rd |
| Chances created from open play | 20 | 4th |
| Chances created | 23 | 6th |
| Assists | 3 | 5th= |
| Tackles | 45 | 6th |
Finding the right balance
Cresswell and Coufal will need to strike the right balance against a Liverpool side who will feel buoyant after an impressive 3-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur.
Their attacking forays are a key component in West Ham’s more adventurous style of play this term.
However, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will likely keep them occupied inside their own half for large spells of the contest.
Selecting the right moments to attack and knowing when to sit tight and form a solid back-four unit will be crucial to West Ham's prospects of success.
Look out for Cresswell and Coufal also sliding into central midfield to allow Tomas Soucek the freedom to attack crosses sent into the penalty area.
When the opposite full-back is delivering a cross, the other regularly tucks in alongside Declan Rice to form that crucial defensive double-pivot.
This will be of critical importance against a Liverpool side deadly on counter-attacks.
