From recent failures and poor results it is clear that radical surgery is needed in West Ham’s midfield department. Incredible really that after a spend of £100 million plus, The Irons still lack a solid and creative midfield line. Rodriguez has seemed too slow for Premier League football, Soucek divides opinion but creative and fast he most certainly is not: Lucas Paquetá’s poor form and impending hearings will quite probably see him dropped or ‘rested’ – after surrendering possession so often this season. He’s well away from even half-decent form.
So where does that leave West Ham? Short of creativity. That’s not an issue likely to go away soon. James Ward-Prowse failed his Lopetegui audition and was sent out on loan. Andy Irving is still an unknown quantity but the glimpses we’ve had in pre-season suggests solidity rather than ball-playing talent.
Loan market signings in January may well be the answer. Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka is being linked with a move away on loan as he is not in the regular match day squad and at 21 needs to be playing football.
Enzo Maresca reportedly (goal.com) told the 21 year-old that he needed to leave Stamford Bridge as the youngster was not part of his plans.
You’ll recall The Hammers were linked with Chukwuemeka on the last day of the transfer window in August.
Exactly what is needed at London Stadium just now: A fast, attacking midfield player who can play centrally or on the left.
He would add depth to our match day squad when we are currently woefully short of pace. Whilst it seems a result of poor planning to be taking players on loan, remembering the electrifying effect of Lingard’s initial loan spell – we could well do with someone such as the ex-England U21 International to generate some more sparks!
