Former Barcelona star ‘does not crumble under pressure’ | Macaulay’s sound Hammers pick

Alongside the higher-profile negotiations in hand for West Ham’s first signing of the summer came less trumpeted reports concerning another player under discussion. The Hammers’ team appear focussed on young, relatively inexpensive signings this summer – should the hand brake ever get released and ‘interest’ ever proceed to ‘signings’: The jury is still out as to the club’s ability to do anything in the way of recruitment until a player sale or two gets finalised.

Óscar Mingueza, according to several reports in the last few days, is another ‘green lighted’ for negotiations by Hammers’ head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay. Alongside El Hadji Malick Diouf, reports claim the former Barcelona man now at Celta Vigo is also on the shortlist. Which on the face of it, as a right back, might not seem a priority with Wan-Bissaka already ruling the roost on the Hammers right.

However, dig deeper and there is a level of depth offered by Mingueza: According to the4thofficial.net:

“He has strengths that cannot be ignored: good tactical awareness, agility in coverage and an ability to adapt to both centre-back and full-back positions. That versatility could be gold for a manager like Potter, who tends to favour flexible systems and needs players who can adapt. In addition, Mingueza does not crumble under pressure, something he learned during his time at Barcelona.”

More than just a bang average right-back then. Ability to cover across the line and give Graham Potter a versatile defence- if the Hammers secure both players then there’s a pretty solid defence taking shape.

If there’s any money to take these deals from ‘bidding’ to “signed’.