“A mirror to look at” – Player not bothered by competition from West Ham loanee, happy for the fight

If any player in future wishes to win over friends and influence people at a new club, they would be wise to follow the example being set by West Ham United’s Nayef Aguerd.

That’s at least if the latest comments on the player from Real Sociedad teammate Jon Pacheco are anything to by as he’s praised the Moroccan to Estadio Deportivo.

Aguerd joined the Spanish side on loan from West Ham in the summer after the arrival of Max Kilman and Jean Clair Todibo left him out of the picture at the London Stadium.

He’s proven to be a massive hit since his arrival, filling in the hole left by the departure of Robin Le Normand’s move to Atletico Madrid.

Several reports have made it clear that Real Sociedad are very happy about the signing, with him labelled their most outstanding player at the end of September. That was followed by an explanation earlier this week that the Spanish side were quickly falling in love with the 28-year-old.

While he’s earning the love and starring it does mean someone is missing out and this season that has been Jon Pacheco.

It seems he’s not holding a grudge against the West Ham man, though, and instead sees him as someone to look up to.

“I’m taking it well, Aguerd is a great player and a good person,” he said.

“I have enough to worry about my own. I hadn’t started the season as I wanted, and I wasn’t giving my best version.

“Aguerd is a mirror to look at. From the first day he came with a great desire to help. There will be minutes and games for everyone, but it’s important that when Imanol puts you in, you can perform. When it’s your turn to play, you have to give your best version, it’s something important.”