No matter who is in the back four, a lethargic and slow midfield shield will always be a liability and fail to stop the defence shipping goals: West Ham have been found continually wanting in that department this season.
The signs are definitely pointing towards a remodelling of West Ham’s troubled midfield. In the last few weeks reports have intensified concerning possible in’s and out’s – combined with the story just yesterday of Guido Rodriguez’ unhappiness at London stadium and his ‘longing’ for a return to his old club in January. The penny seems to have dropped that the slow stodgy midfield and lack of creativity is holding the Hammers back.
Up and coming loanees such as Freddie Potts and George Earthy bode well for the future (as does a return from James Ward-Prowse which shows how dire the current squad is!) – but will do nothing this season to halt the Hammers’ slide down towards the relegation zone.
From Gonzo’s article this morning (‘Hammers Plot £20 million move for sidelined Man City talent’) there is clear interest in bringing James McAtee -the ‘Salford Silva’ – to London Stadium, who at 22 might be an attainable fast, young talent who would slot straight into the team.
West Ham eyeing up ‘The Salford Silva’
In addition, last months’ report concerning Hammers interest in Jobe Bellingham (main pic) offers further insight into the January priority. Either one (or both, please!) of these talented young stars of the future could revitalise West Ham’s sluggish midfield. Whilst stories even today abound concerning a loan – out for Lucas Paquetá to Brazilian side Botafogo, it’s quite possible that a very different-looking midfield might be assembled in 2025.
Hopefully West Ham will learn the lesson from failing to sign Cole Palmer when they had the chance and commit to one, or both, of these young talents instead of letting another club snap them up.
Domestically- sourced players are also ready to go into the squad immediately rather than taking months to build up to the Premier League’s taxing intensity. The club have spent huge amounts on players ‘not ready’ for the Premier League and it seems -at last -that overseas players aren’t seen as some universal panacea. Jean Clair Todibo’s fitness issues were well documented whilst Carlos Soler and Rodriguez both looked unsuited to the physical intensity of the toughest league.
The jury is out on Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek who have been exposed owing to the lack of pace around them: Alvarez especially has struggled since his summer injury and may be far more effective as part of a younger, faster midfield.
