West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has admitted that playing alongside Alex Song has been a huge benefit to him this season.

The 27-year-old moved to the Hammers on a season-long loan deal from Barcelona, and has starred for Sam Allardyce's men in the middle of the park during an excellent run of form that has seen them break into the top four of the Premier League.

Kouyate has revealed that he is learning all he can from the former Arsenal man to improve his game as he continues to adjust to life in the top flight of English football.

He told the club's official website: "Song calms the game down. To have someone with his experience, who knows how to keep the ball and calm the game is a bonus for us, particularly for me as I'm learning plenty by his side. It's good for the team."

West Ham are next in action in the Premier League on Boxing Day against Chelsea.