Hammertime: The Holidays
Hello all, sorry about the delay since our last Hammertime. The amount of annoyance that computer difficulties can throw into a person’s life I’m sure you understand. West Ham have recently however been of less annoyance to everyone around the club.
As we enter the Christmas fixture list they are in the relatively positive 13th position of the Premier League and finally looking down on a host of other clubs. With a solid barrier between themselves and disaster (relegation) perhaps everyone involved will be able to enjoy their relative Christmas’ or other holiday of their choosing.
Though West Ham have finally secured their position in the Premier League for now it would be insane to overlook some of the problems in the squad. They still lack creativity and Payet is too easy to shut down because of the lack of other creative outlets. The defense is the sort of thing screwball comedies are made of and well the midfield quite frankly just isn’t where it should be.
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If you see one of my previous pieces about West Ham it was that the team should move towards the 4-3-3. That’s one of the most important things right now. It would at least get the team stable and punching within their weight class again instead of the shambles that was this season’s early months.
Transfer Window Time
January is almost here and reinforcements should be on the horizon. What West Ham should do is capitalize on the situation at Manchester United. In my opinion Manchester United chief executive Ed Woodward is one of the worst head’s of club in Europe. Has he done a fantastic job turning Manchester United into an economic engine? Yes, but his job is to win football matches ultimately. He has built an expensive and hardly functional squad.
One has to question his understanding of the game and though he is happy to throw money at every problem what that has resulted in is a squad full of jaded and unhappy players. Now Manchester United find themselves in the non-enviable position of needing to accept losses on transfer fees for players simply to get them out the door. West Ham should seize the opportunity.
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Morgan Schneiderlin, Memphis Depay and Marcus Rashford are all looking for a way out of Manchester. Schneiderlin and Depay are looking for permanent moves and Rashford perhaps a lengthy loan. The word around the club is that Manchester United are willing to accept losses of 50% on each of Depay and Schneiderlin. Both players are world class on their day and would be a coup for West Ham to steal. They’re both available for between 12-15 million pounds. West Ham should seal both for about 28-30 and a 18 month loan for Rashford with a view to buy.
Schneiderlin
Schneiderlin would be a perfect midfielder for West Ham. The midfield is derelict when it comes to technical but still hard working players. Remember the Schneiderlin of Southampton? He was one of the best complete midfielders in the league. West Ham would be automatically improved by his presence. Then Depay on the right with Payet on the left of a center forward and West Ham suddenly look a different team don’t they?
Depay
When Depay is full of confidence and attitude he is world class. Mourinho has robbed him of that and Slaven Bilic and the Hammers could very well restore him. If not Depay then it could be interesting to try and steal Wilfried Zaha out of Crystal Palace. They’re struggling at the moment and Zaha does appear to have put his issues behind him. He’s a lethal attacker and could change the dynamic in the team immediately.
Rashford
Finally would be the loan for Rashford. He’s good enough that he should honestly be starting in the Premier League. He’s just unlucky that at Manchester United he is never going to be automatically selected before Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He knows that. Carroll is a good player but lacks speed and if Rashford were in the squad I would start him over Carroll.
Imagine the speed and lethal attacking talent that West Ham could be breaking with if Payet, Rashford and Depay were allowed to have their day? Isn’t that worth dreaming about? West Ham can afford to make it happen and they should. Suddenly the team is very different.
Strength at the Back
If possible West Ham should also add a defender. Frankly they could probably steal Chris Smalling out of United but he’s not as good as the money they would ask and four players in one window from the same club is a little odd. West Ham would be damned though if they didn’t try and get at least one center back.
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If not though the renewed solidity in midfield will at least protect them. That coupled with the fact that teams will actually need to worry about West Ham’s attack rather than whatever Simone Zaza was doing is important. Suddenly West Ham will be able to take the game to their opponents. Fight back for God’s sake. There’s still a chance to make something of this season. The supporters and the new stadium deserve it so let’s give it a go. Get something out of this year and push on. The London Stadium befits a team playing in Europe. West Ham should be aiming for that at the minimum moving forward.