How will Maxwel Cornet be used by David Moyes?

West Ham have officially confirmed the signing of Burnley star Maxwel Cornet.

The Ivorian joins the Hammers on a five-year deal with the option for a year’s extension. His release clause of £17.5million was paid to secure the signing.

Cornet is a versatile player so how might David Moyes use him.

West Ham have signed Maxwel Cornet, scouting how the Burnley ace might fit in the Hammers team.

The 25-year-old can play in a plethora of positions which makes him an incredibly useful addition to the squad.

The ex-Lyon man played most of his matches at the relegated Clarets last season either as a striker in a front two or on the left-wing.

But previously in his career while plying his trade in France Ligue 1 he was also used as a right winger and a left-back.

West Ham could do with a new left-back having allowed Arthur Masuaku to leave. Of course Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson are both comfortable there but many fans wanted an upgrade there. Unfortunately, despite his versatility it’s unlikely that Cornet will be used as a full-back in a four man defence.

He can defend and is an incredibly hard worker who can meet Moyes’ tough demands off the ball but he doesn’t have the defensive mindset to be able to play in a low block like West Ham do. His strengths are going forward and he would be exposed as a left-back against quality opponents.

Wing-back is an option, with a five man back line he would be more supported and would be allowed to get forward more. West Ham have played with wing-backs regularly in pre-season to not much success, the team have looked a little disjointed and have struggled to create chances in the formation. But, if Moyes does choose to persist with the setup into the Premier League then Cornet could do a job as an attacking wing-back.

At times a hybrid formation has been deployed, a back four in possession and a back five without the ball with the left winger becoming the left-wing back. Pablo Fornals has played the role multiple times.

Cornet could also be used as a conventional left-winger. West Ham used a 4-2-3-1 most often last season. The new signing could play on the left allowing Fornals to come off the wing into the No.10 role where his lack of pace is less exposed. Said Benrahma and Manuel Lanzini could see their shared place in the side under threat.

With Andriy Yarmolenko having left the club, Cornet could also fill-in on the right flank if Jarrod Bowen was ever unavailable.

There remains the option Cornet could step in and play as a centre-forward for West Ham. However, with Michail Antonio no longer the only striker at the club following the arrival of Gianluca Scamacca, it is unlikely he will play up front.

Cornet becomes West Ham’s fifth arrival of the summer and Moyes plans to do plenty more business with another three players potentially arriving.