West Ham Sign World Cup Winner Alvaro Arbeloa
West Ham confirmed the signing of former Real Madrid and Liverpool right back Arbeloa on deadline day. The World Cup winner was unattached after leaving Madrid at the end of his contract with the Champions League winners.
The Player
Arbeloa is a great player who brings with him a whole host of top level experience. Starting his career with Madrid he was moved around the Spanish side’s various B and C teams before being sold to Deportivo La Caruna for little over £1m. His 20 appearances for the side were enough to seal a bigger move that January.
Liverpool moved for the player, signing him for around £3m, going on to make over 60 PL appearances. During this time he also made 25 CL appearances, showing just how important he was to Liverpool.
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In 2009 he rejoined Real Madrid, which was the most successful period in his career. During his spell with Madrid he won 2 Champions League crowns, 1 Spanish League title, 2 Spanish Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup, 1 UEFA Supercup and 1 FIFA Club World Cup. That’s not a bad career haul.
With his national side he also scooped multiple honours, winning One World Cup and two UEFA Euro Championships. We have certainly signed a player who knows how to win.
The player has been training alone for the past few months, so will not be match ready straight away. However his professionalism means that it will not be long.
West Ham’s Motives
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ANTONIO IS NOT A RIGHT BACK. The people cried out for a right back replacement, and it seems they got what they wanted. Antonio, especially after his England call up, will now be treated as an attacking option. Although Bilic did say he expects his players to do what is asked of him.
The one year contract shows that they do not believe Arbeloa is a long term solution to any problem. He is here for the season and then we will re-evaluate.
For me Byram is still our first choice and he keep on improving, but his age might be why Arbeloa was signed. Byram can learn, and we didn’t want two young inexperienced right backs in the squad. Iorfa is still an option in the summer I would imagine, but you don’t want to have to rely on inexperienced players if you can help it.
Transfer Rating: B
Good for the coming year, but not a long term fix. A satisfactory if not exceptional purchase.