Which West Ham Players Are Close to Being Dropped?

A solid effort at Liverpool highlighted a few individual mistakes that cost West Ham the match, leading to suggestions of player dropping for Fulham.

West Ham have historically done a lot worse than lose by a late goal away at Anfield when it comes to playing Liverpool. Still, Diogo Jota’s late winner highlighted an individual error that led to points being dropped for the Hammers. Continuing this trend, here are the top three players who could be dropped for the pending match against Fulham.

Sebastien Haller

The easiest target and man many argue has an agenda against him is first up, Sebastien Haller. Honestly, the biggest thing Haller has going against him is the massive price tag associated with him, as it makes him an easy target for not scoring when he cost West Ham £45m.

Haller also has the impossible task of replacing Michail Antonio who is a very different player from him. Haller thrives in possession-based football where he can incorporate his midfielders and wingers with his hold up play. He isn’t able to chase the ball relentlessly like Antonio, and this is the style of football the Hammers were forced to play against Liverpool.

No, he hasn’t scored yet this season, but with no better option on the bench, Haller needs to play against Fulham to hopefully spark his offensive output. He won’t be dropped but with Antonio reportedly expected to return for the Sheffield game, he needs to take his chance.

Fabian Balbuena

Contrary to popular belief, Fabian Balbuena has been very solid at the back in David Moyes’ new five-at-the-back system in the absence of Issa Diop. Diop was dropped due to positive testing for COVID-19 and has never regained his position since the team’s surprising results against Wolves, Leicester, Spurs, Manchester City, and Liverpool (to a lesser extent).

Balbuena has been playing well, but he did make the crucial mistake of stepping up and allowing Xerdan Shaquiri to slot Jota in along to seal the Reds win. Balbuena is not the future of West Ham, but Issa Diop may be. This could usher the French defender in despite Balbuena’s form.

Pablo Fornal

The most controversial player in the starting XI right now is Pablo Fornals for multiple reasons. Firstly, he scored away at Anfield for his second consecutive game there on a fell struck ball created from his terrific positioning. But, his critics will suggest a later player to slot in Jarrod Bowen was missed as he elected to shoot instead. Is this crime enough to justify his dropping?

In reality, Fornals is unlucky that Said Benrahma was signed behind him as the current 5-2-3 formation does not have a role for a 10 attacking midfielder and a left-winger. This suggests that his two goals and two assists this season do not outweigh the potential of Benrahma in the team so onlookers suggesting Fornals should be benched.

Fornals won’t be dropped, which is the right decision. Just as Haller or Balbuena shouldn’t be judged on their performances against the reigning champions, Fornals not producing more than an away goal at Anfield is madness. All three can be argued for a drop, but all three will be there come matchday against Fulham.