West Ham United have announced their full twenty-five man squad for the rest of the 2020/21 Premier League season.
There are a couple of surprise inclusions to the squad. West Ham Academy players Nathan Trott and Nathan Holland have made the squad. It would have been expected that the youngster would have been sent out on loan to gain more experience.
One of the reasons they may have been named is due to the culling of the Hammers squad over the summer. As many as nine players have left the club since July. Carlos Sanchez, Pablo Zabaleta, Jeremy Ngakia, Albian Ajeti, Jordan Hugill, Sead Hakšabanović, Josh Cullen, Jack Wilshere and Felipe Anderson have all left the club. Anderson has only left on loan, but will not be seen in claret and blue for the rest of the season.
The club did sign a few players during the summer in an attempt to strengthen the team. Tomas Soucek was signed permanently, and Ossama Ashley, Vladimir Coufal and Said Benrahma joined the Czech at the club. Ashely, however, has been placed in the development squad.
Here is West Ham’s confirmed 25-man Premier League squad. The two Nathan’s - Holland and Trott - included. If you’re wondering where Declan Rice is, he’s still classed as a U21. #WHUFC pic.twitter.com/smg0d0Jfog
— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) October 20, 2020
For those worrying about the absence of Declan Rice in the squad, there is no need to worry. Rice is still only 21-years-old meaning he does not need to be included, which is a massive bonus for the club.
The fact Rice does not need to be included has meant that an opportunity for Holland has arrived and he could prove himself to David Moyes. Holland has promised a lot in his performances for the development side, and it could be his last chance to show he can make it as a Premier League player.
WEST HAM SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
L. Fabianski, D. Randolph, D. Martin, N. Trott
DEFENDERS
V. Coufal, R. Fredericks, B. Johnson, I. Diop, F. Balbuena, A. Ogbonna, C. Dawson, A. Cresswell, A. Masuaku.
MIDFIELDERS
T. Soucek, D. Rice, M. Noble, R. Snodgrass, M. Lanzini, P. Fornals, J. Bowen, S. Benrahma, N. Holland
ATTACKERS
A. Yarmolenko, M. Antonio, S. Haller
Despite concern over the strength of this squad, the first eleven has proved it is able to compete with the best so far this season. Impressive wins over Wolves and Leicester and a brilliant comeback against Spurs has given the club a good start to the season.
The main worry going forward is the strength in depth of the left-back and centre-midfield positions, both of which a lacking quality depth.