West Ham would be foolish not to invest in a left-back

Even though most West Ham fans were aware that the club were not going to splash major cash in the summer window, the left-back position is an area that simply must be addressed.

Coming into the summer window, most West Ham fans understood that this would not be a massive summer of spending. The Hammers had spent big the previous two summers, and the squad did not need major financial reinforcements in any area. That being said, the fact that the board have not even looked into signing a left-back for the upcoming season is absolutely shambolic.

Although West Ham’s backline, in general, could use some signings, there are signs for optimism in every other position. The two starting center-back spots are going to be locked down by Ogbonna and Diop, with Balbuena off the bench for reinforcements.

In the right-back spot, Ryan Fredericks does have Premier League experience, and the rising star of the squad Ben Johnson is looking certain to be in contention to be the first choice. However, the left-back position is an absolute mess.

I understand that Aaron Cresswell may get a ton of criticism for his performances sometimes, but the fact of the matter is that he is simply not good enough to be West Ham’s first-choice left-back. We need to inject some youth and pace into the position, two things that Cresswell lacks.

Although Masuaku has not been given a fair chance at left-back under Moyes, many fans myself included believe that Arthur is more of an attacking wide player, as he struggles immensely at times defensively.

Overall, the Hammers were never going to be big players in the transfer market, but ignoring key areas of the squad that need to be strengthened in the Premier League will always get you in big trouble. I hope the Hammers have some kind of masterplan for their backline because there seem to be many problem areas. Let’s hope the Hammers swoop in late for a left-back and salvage the summer window.