West Ham Pulse: What to do now with Manuel Lanzini?

As the entire world woke up yesterday to the news of West Ham and their new midfielder, Spanish international Pablo Fornals, it had to give way to thinking about what to do with the current squad players for the Hammers.

At just 23, the Spanish-born player will give ownership and fans alike hope for West Hams current status and their future. The deal for Pablo was agreed upon between the Hammers and Villarreal from the Spanish top flight for €27m.

Last season in La Liga, Fornals played in 35 matches notching in 2 goals and assisting 3 times. I think it is safe to say in every West Ham fans mind, we are excited to see what he has in store for the Hammers squad.

Speaking of the squad and as the title suggests, what will West Ham now do with their prized jewel, Manuel Lanzini. After going out before the World Cup, Lanzini needed almost the entire year to recover. Only playing in 10 matches, he was able to contribute a goal and 2 assists.

With the already tight midfield is getting tighter, is there going to be a place for both in West Ham United’s midfield? Not to mention, Lanzini and the club are still going through contract talks. Not what any Hammers fan likes hearing.

The Green Street Hammers affiliate site HammersPolls.com asked the fans a similar question with a simple thought. Can Lanzini and Fornals play in the same team? Obviously, I voted Yes, and it was revealed that with a day left of voting and over 260 votes, Yes had the lead 80% to 20% and my hope is that by the time this article makes it to you, Yes will still have a commanding lead.

Can they play the same position? Yes, but does Fornals get back and cover well on defense? Also yes. With a healthy Lanzini up front, I can clearly see Fornals somewhere right behind him in a yet to be known formation.

My question would be more for those who don’t think they can play on the same team. Is it a match time concern, or money issue, or what? Even within the brain powers at GSH, we seem to differ if we would keep or sell Lanzini.

Luckily, we are not Manuel Pellegrini and we can sit back and just speculate and vote on what we think should happen. For me it’s simple. With a midfield that is packed but packed with some age and injury issues they absolutely can play in the same team.