When we broke the news on Saturday that West Ham were considering offering Aaron Cresswell a new contract, I was probably 50/50 on whether it was a good idea or not.
After all, the long-serving Hammers defender will be 36 next season, and as some have suggested, the club should be looking at younger players. However, the two things are not mutually exclusive, and there is no reason why West Ham can’t hang on to Cresswell and bring through young talent.
There is no better example of this than the mentorship Cressie has been giving to young Ollie Scarles as he makes his way from the academy to the first team. Anyone who watched Scarles in his two Premier League starts against Arsenal and Brentford would have seen how the experienced defender talked the young apprentice through the game.
It was certainly something that Scarles appreciated, and he had nothing but high praise for Cresswell.
“Everyone’s been really helpful after moving into the [first-team] squad,” the 19-year-old wingback said. “I think it helps having such a senior player in Aaron behind me as the left centre-back, and he talks me through the game all the time. Having a player like that, who’s played 300 Premier League games, you can’t ask for much more, really.
“You see what he has done for the club and you want to be the next one to achieve that. He’s the example, and he’s someone you look up to. That’s what I’m working towards, and hopefully, I can follow in his footsteps.”
Cresswell keeps an eye on on the youngsters
Cressie has still got it
High praise indeed, but some West Ham supporters remain reluctant to see Cresswell get a new deal. There is an argument that the club should be buying younger, and I believe they will.
Ollie Scarles is evidence that Cresswell is not blocking the pathway for young players but actually helping them. If he stays at the London Stadium for an additional year, I wouldn’t expect him to be a regular starter.
Cressie would be West Ham’s break glass in case of emergency defender—used when needed. Sure, he’s not as quick as he once was, but when Graham Potter employs the tactics used against Arsenal and Leicester City, Cresswell isn’t exposed for pace.
I’m quite certain the Hammers will recruit a central defender or recall Nayef Aguerd in the summer. Besides, if the Irons gaffer were to play a high line, he wouldn’t use Cresswell anyway.
So, I say give him a new deal. He’s low-cost, low-hassle, and as he showed against Arsenal, he’s still got what it takes when called upon
Spot on. Fully realise that Cressie is a bit marmite judging by the moans and groans around me in the Billy Bonds section… but not only is his role as mentor invaluable… but when he plays in a back three, he also adds stability and quality! A one-year playing contract is a no brainer… and then the club should be looking at adding Cressie to the backroom staff…. a great role model of service and standards for younger players
What Jonathan said. No downside.
Keep him, back up if nothing else and sell Emerson as there seem to be suitors.