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I’m salivating thinking of West Ham’s team with Pablo Fornals in it

ByAdam Smith|
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United replaces Felipe Anderson of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Fulham FC at the London Stadium on February 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Manuel Lanzini of West Ham United replaces Felipe Anderson of West Ham United during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Fulham FC at the London Stadium on February 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

A day later and I haven’t woken up from the dream yet; Pablo Fornals is still a West Ham player. To be honest, I had no idea who he was a week ago, but extensive research leads me to believe his versatility will give the Irons a dynamic formation and I’m excited about it.

My favorite pastime is theorizing about West Ham’s formations. Why it worked, how it can be tweaked, and what it will be next week or on this occasion, season. Pablo Fornals arrival has made this endeavor even more exciting because of how effective he is in the attack.

First up is the formation itself. I believe we’ll see a 4-1-4-1 formation to start the season. I don’t see the Hammers getting their marquee striker this window and that’s okay. Without massive funds spent on one striker, the Hammers can invest in two or three younger players to help fill out the squad which would help today and in the future. That means Arnie is up top.

The four “midfielders” will essentially be a high line of attackers whose job it will be to hold onto the ball and keep possession in the opponents half. From left to right I have it as such: Anderson – Lanzini – Fornals – Antonio. That leaves Yarmolenko, Snodgrass, and Wilshere on the bench to either sub in, rotate in, or step up should injuries occur.

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Rice is alone in the defensive midfield. I believe last season was conditioning for an anchor position like this. With Mark Noble ready to sub in place of an attacker to support him, there is a contingency plan for tougher opponents. This is an intimidating spot to put effectively a second-year player in, but with Rice’s potential and current trajectory it will be a sink or swim moment for him.

The back-four stays the same. Diop and Balbuena hold down the middle with Masuaku and Fredericks on the flanks. What really helps this formation succeed is the dedication for Antonio and Anderson to get back for defensive coverage. Both were solid at this come season end last year, but they need to continue this trend.

Now, onto Fornals. I believe he’ll start in the middle of the park with Lanzini alongside him. This formation which essentially plays five forwards is uber attacking, but the best defense is keeping possession which hopefully this team can do (maybe not in week one, though). Fornals’ versatility, however, gives a new dimension to the team.

Pellegrini likes his attacking football and dual-striker system, Fornals could facilitate this with a fluid 4-1-4-1 team set up. Fornals has experience on the right side as a winger or wide midfielder. Should an opponent be weak on the wing, Antonio can shift up as a secondary striker and Fornals can turn into a right mid/winger to feed him the ball.

Young, versatile, attacking, and dynamic. Fornals isn’t a player who plays in a position of utmost dire need, but his ability to play across the midfield could unlock a more threatening and effective West Ham with more goals in it than last season.