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West Ham could sparkle with Manuel Lanzini’s return

By Scott Johnson

BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 07: Manuel Lanzini of Argentina takes part in a training session as part of the team preparation for FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 at FC Barcelona 'Joan Gamper' sports centre on June 7, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - JUNE 07: Manuel Lanzini of Argentina takes part in a training session as part of the team preparation for FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 at FC Barcelona 'Joan Gamper' sports centre on June 7, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /
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West Ham have proven consistently inconsistent so far this year. Could the return of Manuel ‘The Jewel’ Lanzini give shine to the work in progress?

You can’t say that Pellegrini hasn’t injected some adventure into West Ham. He hasn’t destroyed the inconsistency that seems to run to the core of the club, but we’re more adventurous and attacking. So most fans are in agreement that the return of Lanzini will also be an interesting addition to the side.

However there have also been some worries that the Hammers might not have a space for the mercurial talent. Will he be playing in the middle of the park? Behind the striker? As a playmaker on the wing? There are lots of things he brings to the side, and for me he’s too good to leave out of the side when fully fit.

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For me, I think we can go with the 4-3-3 that we’ve been playing recently, with Lanzini at the front of the middle three in front of Rice and Noble. This would put Anderson to his left and then Diangana/Yarmolenko/Antonio to his right, Arnie in front. From here the Argentine can be the playmaker we know he is, but it also gives him room to move forward on the ball given his natural dribbling ability.

But this position will also require him to keep a high work rate, and get back to help recover the ball in the middle of the park as Noble and Rice act as disruptors. But on his good days, he certainly has that. And I think he’ll have more energy than Nasri would as well. Especially over the long term. And if you were to give Lanzini the ball in his own half with space to move into, supported by his wingers, he’ll be very hard to stop.

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Even if Pellegrini doesn’t want to play Lanzini as the main No.10 he’s too creative for the Chilean to overlook. Why would you leave someone out that has created and scored the goals he has for the club? Even when the team was struggling, Lanzini sparkled occasionally. Now he will be surrounded by more talent, and could bring the Hammers the shine they crave.