Green Street Hammers
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West Ham one player away from sorting defensive 5

By Scott Johnson

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession inside the box with Arthur Masuaku of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession inside the box with Arthur Masuaku of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 27, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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West Ham’s performance in the Spurs match revealed that we can mix it with the big boys. But at the back we’re one position away from being settled.

After a shaky opening 20 minutes West Ham’s defence settled into the game, picking up a precious clean sheet on the road. But if you’re looking on at the 5 positions at the back, there’s still one that we need to improve on. The left back just isn’t up to scratch.

Apart from a period of 5 or 6 games over December where Cresswell looked settled again, the left back area has been a real issue for Pellegrini since he joined. For the other back four spots he has brought people in: Diop, Balbuena and Fredericks. All of these look to be the first choice for next season as well. And with Fabianski in goal, 4 out of 5 isn’t bad. But the left back area must be sorted.

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When the season comes to an end I think that Cresswell and Masuaku will both have to come to a realisation that they won’t both be at the club next season. If a left back isn’t a top priority this summer then I don’t know what’s going on in the club’s heirachy, and having three senior left backs is a bit pointless. So who do we keep?

In terms of a pure left back I think most Hammers fans agree that Cresswell is the better of the two, certainly defensively. Masuaku offers a lot of ball playing ability and pace, and therein could lie the issue when it comes to picking one to stay. If Cresswell stays it will be purely in cover for the left back position. If Masuaku stays, he could offer the versatility of being a left winger if necessary in rotation or as an emergency sub. We could get some insight into Pellegrini’s plan based on who is kept over the window.

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If we do pick up a left back, I will be very happy with our back 5. Fabianski has proven to be incredible business and looks every inch a top Premier League keeper, especially behind a central back 2 of Diop and Balbuena who have a great partnership forming. Fredericks is still learning but has physical attributes in the bag, and the experience will come in time. His second half performance was very impressive, and I think there’s more to come. So, who should Pellegrini keep?