Green Street Hammers
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Swapping Carroll for Shelvey…I hate that I like this deal

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Andy Carroll of West Ham United confronts referee Christopher Kavanagh after recieving a cut to the head during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on January 2, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 02: Andy Carroll of West Ham United confronts referee Christopher Kavanagh after recieving a cut to the head during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on January 2, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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West Ham are rumoured to be interested in signing walking red card Jonjo Shelvey. But even though this swap deal isn’t perfect, I find myself really liking the sound of it.

It’s January and weird things are starting to happen. Jonjo Shelvey, yep the one who looks like Voldemort and likes to kcik people who aren’t on his team, is rumoured to be part of a swap deal taking Andy Carroll back to Newcastle. Given that I dislike his attitude and ethos on the pitch, why do I want West Ham to make the swap?

Well part of it is because I’m sick of Andy Carroll. He’s not as good as he used to be, and he’s barely ever fit. Apparently, even though he’s back to fitness now, we can only play him for 45 minutes. Given that a game of football is 90 minutes, that’s a bit pointless. But, I’m also intrigued with Shelvey.

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The English midfielder has a hot streak that I don’t like in players. I’m all for a fiesty temperament, but there are times where you also need to be able to keep your head and your focus. I don’t know if Shelvey has that in his system at the moment, but I do think that if anyone can get it out of him, it’s Pellegrini. The man has done well with the entire squad so far, and should be able to offer Shelvey what he wants.

Despite his temper he is clearly a talented midfielder. He is strong in the (legal) challenges and his long range passing is probably better than anyone in the current West Ham lineup, so he would improve our ability to switch it up or go long easily. In recent games long balls over the top have caught some oppoents out, as they expect us to play the ball short regularly. Having Shelvey could exploit that.

light. Must Read. Who are our West Ham Midseason Award Winners?

Also we have an abundance of forward players right now, and not so many midfield ones. We could do with someone like Shelvey to help keep the load lighter on Noble. So I don’t hate the idea of this swap, because I don’t think we lose out. Or am I just going crazy?