Green Street Hammers
Fansided

Grading West Ham’s Depth in every position

By Adam Smith

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 29: Sebastien Haller of West Ham United celebrates with teammates Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, Pablo Fornals and Issa Diop after scoring his sides second gaol during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on February 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 29: Sebastien Haller of West Ham United celebrates with teammates Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio, Pablo Fornals and Issa Diop after scoring his sides second gaol during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on February 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Defensive Midfield: A-

Without a doubt, Declan Rice is a world-class talent in the midfield and as long as West Ham have him on their team there will be stability and extremely high potential. With Moyes’ propensity to play two holding midfielders, Rice’s abilities get showcased even further with support. Having Rice in the midfield has solved a lot of team issues, and pushing others down the depth chart is an added bonus.

To match Rice, Tomas Soucek has been a revelatory addition alongside him. Where Rice is physical and in your face, Soucek is fluid and anticipatory. When Rice stays put, Soucek pushes forward. The duo is a beautifully complementary pair and when together should settle the Hammers in the table.

Carlos Sanchez is out, and Mark Noble is rightfully receding to a sub position which means both Josh Cullen and Conor Coventry are being looked at as further depth options. With Coventry more likely to be sent to the Championship on loan, the only positional need for the defensive midfield is to sign Soucek permanently and to being back Cullen on a cheap deal as a backup player.

Also. Tomas Soucek signing would be a great start to the summer. light

Attacking Midfield: B-

There is fairly limited depth in this position, but the quality of player that the Hammers have to offer is very decent. The starter in this position, if used in a formation that permits it, is Pablo Fornals. The £26m-man transferred in last summer was a bit of an unknown and didn’t address what the team needed most (a holding midfielder) but he came good after a shaky start.

It’s no coincidence that his two Premier League goals and five assists have all come in the second half of play this season when he emerged as a more regular starter getting serious minutes. He’s superseded former midfield maestro Manuel Lanzini with good reason. Post-knee injury Lanzini has looked tentative at best.

With Dan Kemp and possible Nathan Holland as depth options at this position (more of a wide player), the Hammers aren’t set for the long haul. As well, questions over Lanzini’s health and desire to stay at the club could see him off soon, too. This spot needs some investment but with a player or players who are versatile and can play in the favoured 4-4-2 formation as well.