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West Ham need to act fast for midfield reinforcements

By Jay Korman

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 23: Nicolas Tagliafico of Ajax battles for the ball with Gedson Fernandes of Benfica during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and SL Benfica at Johan Cruyff Arena on October 23, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 23: Nicolas Tagliafico of Ajax battles for the ball with Gedson Fernandes of Benfica during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and SL Benfica at Johan Cruyff Arena on October 23, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Throughout this season, the Hammers have been playing a two-man midfield of Declan Rice and Mark Noble. Although this pairing has been solid thus far, West Ham must look to reinforce the position in the January window.

Both Declan Rice and Mark Noble have been great for the Hammers this season. They have played in almost every match together, and have great chemistry and friendship that can be seen both on and off the pitch. However, when you look at West Ham’s squad depth, it is clear to see that the Irons must be looking to bolster the midfield this January.

Outside of the two starters, the Hammers center midfield depth includes Carlos Sanchez and Jack Wilshere. That is a major problem. Wilshere once again cannot seem to stay fit, and has only played in 6 Premier League matches this season for the Irons, and has not logged a full 90 minutes yet this season. As for Carlos Sanchez, he seems to be out of his depth every-time he steps on the pitch and is simply just not Premier League quality.

In a position as crucial and demanding as the center midfield position, you must have squad depth to help rotate your players to keep them fit and fresh. Rice and Noble are going to be run into the ground by seasons end if the Hammers cannot find some depth to help them out in the position.

I am sure that new manager David Moyes would love to rotate the midfield, however, he simply cannot trust Sanchez, and Wilshere can never seem to stay fit. Noble and Rice have done admirable jobs in both of their respective roles, but at what point are they going to break and need a few games off to recover?

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There have been rumors and rumblings that the Hammers are looking at a few midfielders to bring to East London including Stoke City’s Joe Allen and Benfica’s young rising star, Gedson Fernandes. I think both of these moves are an absolute must for the club. If Moyes does intend to take the FA Cup seriously (as he should), then the Hammers will need to spend some money to get the midfield right. It’s about time West Ham address this crucial issue that has plagued them for many seasons.