Joe Cole issues words of advice to West Ham in order for them to keep experiencing these magical European nights.

West Ham’s 5-0 smashing of Freiburg was one of the best performances they’ve displayed in years. From the defence to the attack, every single player did their job perfectly and Moyes’ game plan was executed brilliantly.

In particular the forward players did a sensational job at breaking down the German’s backline. Unfortunately, keeping hold of Paqueta, Bowen and Kudus is going to be incredibly tough given how consistently world-class they have been. 

While he urged the Hammers to keep hold of all three of them, Joe Cole highlighted Lucas Paqueta as the best of the trio. “He was outstanding again tonight,” Cole confirmed to TNT Sports. “I think he’s one of the best players outside of the top three – Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal.”

“Everyone’s going to be sniffing around. The problem West Ham are going to have in the summer… You’ve got Bowen, Kudus and Paqueta, who are going to be sought after heavily by all of the top clubs. Again, it’s another summer where clubs are going to come.”

“It’s going to be a good season,” he continued. “It’s going to have to be, ‘right, what are we? Do we want to kick on again? Or are we just going to look back on this era and go, wasn’t it great when we had all those great experiences in Europe.’ Keep hold of these players and build.”

Keeping hold of the Brazilian may prove to be particularly difficult due to his release clause, but the former West Ham and Chelsea winger is spot on with what he is saying. If the Irons are going to keep pushing for Europe year after year then they are going to need to keep hold of their best players.

Replacing any of their attackers would be near impossible, so it is vital they do everything in their power to convince them that the club is going to continue moving forward rather than growing satisfied with where they are.