‘There’s good signs’: David Moyes says he really likes West Ham United 23-year-old, he’s improving a lot

Thu 20 October 2022 10:45, UK

It was a second disappointing result on the bounce for West Ham United last night, after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool.

A Darwin Nunez header decided the tie after Jarrod Bowen missed a first-half penalty.

Moyes gave midfielder Flynn Downes his first Premier League start, and admitted he really likes the 23-year-old.

Downes has already started three Europa Conference League games this season.

All these factors lead to Downes making his full Premier League debut last night.

He had previously only played a minute in the competition on the opening day of the season.

Downes will now be hoping to kick on and cement his place in the side going forward.

Moyes really likes new boy Downes

: “Flynn did well, he played really well.

“He’s coming on and I like him and I think there’s good signs from him coming.”

The 23-year-old played 74 minutes before being substituted for Michail Antonio as West Ham chased an equaliser.

Moyes played Downes on the left of a midfield four, a role he’s rarely played in the past.

Last season at Swansea City, he tended to the play on the right-side of a central midfield pair.

Downes is predominantly right-footed, and so found himself cutting inside to link up with his teammates.

The 23-year-old is a brilliant passer, and can control the tempo of the game brilliantly when played in the middle of the park.

He’s sure to be happy to be playing, but won’t be as effective as he can be until played in his favourite position.

Downes will be Moyes really liked his performance last night, as this could lead to more game time in the future.