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Winners and Losers from West Ham’s first preseason games

By Henry Tomlinson

IPSWICH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Jack Wilshire of West Ham United during the Pre-Season Friendly between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road on August 25, 2020 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 25: Jack Wilshire of West Ham United during the Pre-Season Friendly between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road on August 25, 2020 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /
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West Ham had a brilliant start to their preseason. The Hammers won both games against Ipswich Town and Wycombe, but some players shone more than others.

The two West Ham sides, one controlled by David Moyes and the other by new coach Stuart Pearce and Alan Irvine, scored plenty of goals beating Ipswich 4-1 and Wycombe 5-1. The performances did give fans the idea that the Hammers may only need to prioritize the defence in the transfer market.

Winners

1. Sebastien Haller

IPSWICH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Sebastien Haller of West Ham United shoots during the Pre-Season Friendly between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road on August 25, 2020 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
IPSWICH, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Sebastien Haller of West Ham United shoots during the Pre-Season Friendly between Ipswich Town and West Ham United at Portman Road on August 25, 2020 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images) /

One winner of the preseason match against Ipswich Town was definitely record-signing Sebastien Haller. The French striker helped himself to a hat-trick as he looks to retake the starting spot ahead of next season.

Haller struggled last season up front for the Hammers, scoring only seven goals and eventually finding himself benched for the run-in. After losing his spot to Michail Antonio, it was thought that Haller might leave the club and be replaced.

This will not be the case now if David Moyes can keep Haller scoring goals. There is no doubting the striker’s ability and therefore if the team is built around Haller, then he can be West Ham’s fifteen goals a season man.

2. Manuel Lanzini

West Ham United’s English midfielder Michail Antonio (L) celebrates with West Ham United’s Argentinian midfielder Manuel Lanzini after scoring a goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and West Ham United at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on July 5, 2020. (Photo by Michael Regan / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / ALTERNATIVE CROP (Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
West Ham United’s English midfielder Michail Antonio (L) celebrates with West Ham United’s Argentinian midfielder Manuel Lanzini after scoring a goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and West Ham United at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on July 5, 2020. (Photo by Michael Regan / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / ALTERNATIVE CROP (Photo by MICHAEL REGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Manuel Lanzini has endured a horrible last two years. Recovering from an ACL injury takes a lot of time, and this recovery has seen his form drop massively. Like Haller, Lanzini seemed as though he might be one of the players to be sold to bring in funds for new recruits.

But the Argentine may have bought himself some more time at the club after his performance against Wycombe. Lanzini scored an outstanding goal and was pivotal in the Hammers attacking play. The 27-year-old linked up brilliantly with Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals and looked back to his best.

Related Story. West Ham start preseason perfectly with thumping win. light

Of course, Lanzini did impress last preseason and then went on to have his worst season to date as a Hammer. This season, however, could see the return of a West Ham favourite.

3. Grady Diangana

The biggest winner from the two matches had to be Grady Diangana. The winger was out on loan to West Brom last season and was expected to play a role in the West Ham set-up this season. But after his performance against Ipswich, it is likely he may get more than a squad role.

Diangana looked like a constant threat, assisting Haller twice and frequently leaving defenders chasing his shadow. The 22-year-old could be the perfect man to come into the West Ham attack to help bring the best out of Haller and fire the club away from relegation.

The club’s chase of transfer targets like Said Benrahma and Eberechi Eze seemingly in tatters. It could be good news for Diangana who will be targeting plenty of game time when the new season starts in a couple of weeks.