Where Does Lanzini Fit Into West Ham’s Starting XI?

With news coming in about Lanzini’s ahead of schedule recovery Manuel Pellegrini is looking at a possible January return for the Argentinian Ace. With the immense attacking options available, where does Lanzini fit into West Ham’s starting XI?

The news came in via the ever-informative West Ham Way radio show from ExWHUEmployee who stated both Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll are ahead of schedule, Lanzini massively so. Originally it was speculated that Lanzini could be out for the entire year so the shortened absence comes as a relief for Pellegrini and company.

An issue of formation:

Where Lanzini will play is very much dictated by the formation Pellegrini rolls out. It’s clear that tactical evaluation of the opposition by Pellegrini will determine how he sets up, and there are three clear options: 4-1-4-1 (defensive), 4-2-2-2 (aggressive), and 4-4-2 (balanced).

4-1-4-1: The formation used against Liverpool is the most defensive formation we are likely to see from Pellegrini. As was evident, this lineup functionally shifts to a 4-2-3-1 in game, dropping two central midfielders into holding positions and elevating the other to a #10 position in behind the striker.  With Wilshere believed to be a holding midfielder with free-roam abilities by his manager, Lanzini should play up the middle as the most advanced central midfielder.

4-2-2-2: What may turn out to be the most aggressive formation used by West Ham, the 4-2-2-2 will also be the most difficult to get Lanzini into. Anderson seems a lock on the left side of the pitch, but with Lanzini being more comfortable on that side this would change. The left attacking midfield role would be Lanzini’s, moving Anderson to the right, and pushing Snodgrass, Yarmolenko, and Antonio to the bench.

4-4-2: West Ham would be more balanced in this formation than any other, yet still leaning towards top heavy in attack. Lanzini would slot in as one of the two central midfielders with a greater license to roam forward. He would essentially support the two strikers and allow for the wide midfielders to stay on the outside of the pitch.

Who would benefit the most from Lanzini’s return:

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Arnautovic – The left midfielder turned striker can attribute lots of his success last season to the

partnership he had with Lanzini. Often the only two attackers played in the formation, Lanzini and Arnautovic compliment each other well. Both hold back on personal glory to set the other up, only to be rewarded by the favor being returned.

Anderson – The true potential of Anderson may be unlocked once West Ham gets their midfield maestro back. Anderson had good success in preseason play by linking up with Masuaku down the wing, but committing defenders forward may not be the wisest against Premier League opponents. With Lanzini matching Anderson in creativity the new partnership may become Anderson-Lanzini that gets West Ham fans excited.

Wilshere/Rice/Noble/Obiang – A thankful holding midfield is what West Ham will get with Lanzini back. Not only does he track back a fair bit, but he excels at getting the ball and turning upfield, creating an outlet if one isn’t initially available. With Wilshere at the helm of holding midfield a more attacking minded midfield batterymate should provide a solid core to the middle of the pitch for the Irons.

It’s still half a season away, but the prognosis is far better than originally imagined which is only good news for West Ham. He provides a different dimension to West Ham’s attacking football and is such a legitimate threat that his presence on the pitch immediately factors into the opposition’s psyche.