I do wonder if West Ham, and in particular Julen Lopetegui, are being a little too rigid in their quest for two players for every position.
It’s an admirable ambition and a vital one for teams competing in European competition. The benefits of a large playing staff are clear, especially following a season where David Moyes managed the smallest squad in the Premier League.
Nonetheless, at what point does policy supersede quality? While it would be ideal to have double cover in every position, surely the backup must be of similar quality to the starter?
This was precisely my point with Mats Hummels, who has very recent pedigree and is a world-class defender. In many respects, he is so good that there was potential for him to keep Jean-Clair Todibo out of the team. Essentially, his transfer would have not only ticked the box of having two players per position but also improved the squad.
On the flip side, the potential signing of John Egan would fulfil the numbers requirement but certainly wouldn’t elevate the overall squad quality.
For example, a combination of Max Kilman and Edson Alvarez in central defence with Rodriguez in midfield is preferable to Egan in the backline.
Therefore, I’m somewhat unsure what emergency scenario would warrant his inclusion. Of course, the reality is he likely won’t play. There’s no way Lopetegui would field him in the EFL Cup against Liverpool, and he clearly can’t be used in the Premier League.
The only reason I can see for his transfer is this self-imposed notion that West Ham must have two players for every position.
However, with Mavropanos, Kilman, Todibo, Alvarez, Casey, Cresswell, and Luizão all capable of outperforming Egan, I just don’t see the need.