Four left-backs West Ham could use for the future of that position

West Ham has signed Cresswell to an extension until 2023 and about 2 months ago they signed Masuaku until 2024, where do West Ham look from here to secure the left-back role long-term?

It is intriguing, yet great news that West Ham United have committed both Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku to the club for the foreseeable future. What that does leave, however, is the question of where will they go from there?

Smart money would see West Ham bring in young talent and groom them for the next few years. So with that, it’s time to break out the crystal ball and look at where the Hammers might go for their future left-back.

Riccardo Calafiori

At only 17, Riccardo Calafiori has already shown his ability to bounce back. The young Italian suffered a severe injury playing for Roma in the UEFA Youth League last October as he tore every ligament in his left knee, as well as the meniscus.

However, he attacked rehab and got back to Roma’s U19 squad this season. Calafiori has also been playing with the Italian international squads since he was just 15. He is a long shot for sure but when you look at the current Hammers LB’s, they were as well.

Aaron Hickey

Just like Riccardo, Hickey is also just 17. The young Scotsman, Aaron Hickey, has been turning heads of a few European giants since bursting on the scene at Hearts in the Scottish PL. Hickey has some terrific two-footed skills and can manage the ball in tight situations.

He was given high praise by his manager Craig Levein saying “The thing about him is that he can play left-back and right-back and you wouldn’t know if he’s left-footed or right-footed.” The Hammers don’t need a starting LB right now, so it gives him time to bulk up before taking on the EPL.

Maximilian Mittelstädt

At 22 years of age, he is by far the oldest player on this list. However, Maximilian Mittelstadt is also the most experienced when it comes to senior squads. Playing in the Bundesliga might not be the EPL, but it’s pretty darn close and his squad, Hertha BSC, already has put high trust in the young German.

He has played in 7 matches so far this season and starting for the majority of them. Max also has 5 caps for the U21 German international squad. If West Ham did bring him in to sit behind and contend for the future of the LB role, he would only be the 4th German to ever play in East London.

Sam Caiger

To finish out this list lets head to the Academy of Football and internally look at the next left-back for West Ham. Sam Caiger, just like 3 of the 4, is just 17 years of age but already getting high praise from the Academy leadership.

Sam has played both left and right back but at this point could be groomed to play more at left-back with the already young Ryan Fredericks and blooming start Ben Johnson behind him. There would be nothing more West Ham fans would want than to see another young Academy star rise up and graduate into that senior squad.

Next. It's time for Pellegrini to mix up West Ham's starting XI. dark

You can never be sure of what the future will bring, especially here at West Ham, but be sure that between Pellegrini, Husillos, and the Academy management, they will be keeping tabs at all levels to secure the future for this football club.

Home/West Ham News