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Goncalo Cardoso and West Ham’s center-back core

By Adam Smith

NANJING, CHINA - JULY 17: Mark Noble of West Ham United celebrates with team mates Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Ryan Fredericks after scoring his team's goal during the Premier League Asia Trophy 2019 match between West Ham United and Manchester City on July 17, 2019 in Nanjing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images for Premier League)
NANJING, CHINA - JULY 17: Mark Noble of West Ham United celebrates with team mates Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna and Ryan Fredericks after scoring his team's goal during the Premier League Asia Trophy 2019 match between West Ham United and Manchester City on July 17, 2019 in Nanjing, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images for Premier League) /
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It was some pretty quick business for West Ham when the mysterious links appeared to a promising young Portuguese center-back and Goncalo Cardoso signing for the club. But, we now have to ask where does he fit in the depth chart?

First things first, let’s get to know our new defender. The 18-year-old center-back is coming from the top tier of Portuguese football playing in 15 league matches and three cup matches for Boavista. In that stretch of 18 matches, he helped keep nine clean sheets for his team. Also, it is worth noting he missed multiple matches as he was called up for international duty.

His international career is just budding, however, a revamped Portuguese international system could see him step up into the first team in the near future. So far, his experience has been at the U-19 level with 11 matches since October 2018, netting three goals along the way.

Now, who does Cardoso bump in the center-back depth chart at West Ham? It’s a serious question based on the club’s defensive woes in preseason. West Ham ITK ExWHUemployee also shed light on the situation, stating the manager was even more convinced they needed a center-back following the 8-goal affair with Hertha Berlin and their eventual 2-2 [4-2] loss to Bilbao.

light. Related Story. West Ham signal new approach, sign centre-back Goncalo Cardoso

Realistically, Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna are likely the two players who get jumped by Cardoso with his signing. Both players are north of 30 years of age, Reid is coming back after a massive layoff, and Ogbonna is mistake-prone even on his good days.

These two senior players shouldn’t be overlooked, though, as both have been integral over the past few seasons. Last year, with Balbuena and Diop out over the season, Angelo Ogbonna stepped up in their absence. playing 29 matches for the Hammers last season.

While Reid didn’t play last season, the year prior he missed 16 matches while only playing in 20 games. His real impact is in the dressing room as a captain and team leader there. If he can stay fit for some cup matches this season that’s all we can hope for in all honesty.

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I don’t think Cardoso will be happy with being the third choice, however, and will likely look to capitalize on any errors by Diop and Balbuena. This should be welcomed as any competition is good for team building and removing complacency. I want to see Cardoso a lot this season and believe he could be the steal of the window!