HARDLY a day goes by without reports in the media – even during March for heaven’s sake, three months ahead of the next transfer window, suggesting that top level clubs are circling for West Ham’s talent even in the event of the club avoiding relegation.
Now that’s hardly uplifting for the supporters or players ahead of the last seven crucial games in the Premier League survival battle.
The International call ups (or maybe ‘calls-up’?) for the pre World Cup friendlies have been celebrated as ‘just rewards’ for players’ hard work and excellent form: Jarrod Bowen gets recognition with the England squad, Mateus Fernandes receives his first senior call-up to the Portuguese side and Mads Hermansen joins the Danish senior side looking for a much deserved debut as Casper Schmeichel’s replacement.
Had he not have been injured, Crysencio Summerville would have surely followed into the Dutch senior side. All of this alongside El Hadji-Malick Diouf, established as a top-flight international defender with Senegal.
Diouf – already an established international at West Ham United
Just don’t mention AFCON…
What this means is that once and for all, the ‘fashionability’ factor that was once used to explain West Ham players being overlooked for national side call-ups is exploded. Fernandes especially – given his form and marketability -knows now that should the Hammers beat the drop, his international future is in his own hands rather than depending on the colour of the Premier League shirt he wears.
Staying at West Ham can still bring International recognition for ambitious players.
Proof, without a doubt. No agent whispering in their ears that their international futures will be blighted by staying at little ol’ West Ham.
The top six myth has been laid to rest with the Irons sitting in the bottom three, and yet several Hammers getting the reward their form deserves. Which could be crucial in keeping them at the club next season if the Irons survive by the skin of their teeth in May.
So whilst the international break might feel like an irritating hiatus in the Premier League survival battle, this one just might have done West Ham a favour .