Heavy Mettle I Hammers’ Spine Strengthened

When I wrote of the impending recruitment of Guido Rodriguez last week, I added a footnote along the lines of ‘Once the ink is on the contract I for one shall be congratulating the management for the way in which the deal was seen through.’

So, time to follow through on that comment and pass comment on how well the club – (and indeed, the ‘sources’ who knew of the deal but published nothing) – conducted the transfer of free agent and World Cup winner Rodriguez almost to the point of signing before news appeared in the public domain. Good job, West Ham.

Don’t underestimate the benefits the 30 year old brings to West Ham United. He’s won just about every honour possible from the clubs he has played with and will give depth and leadership to the Hammers’ midfield along with – or deputising for – Edson Alvarez.

Sharing a common language with Lopetegui and having a leaders’ instincts will make him another ‘lieutenant’ on the pitch to implement  the coach’s plan.  When we were lacking leaders and direction last season, there should be a stronger spine to the squad now.

Having such an experienced player on a two year contract is also a nod to our academy players coming up behind: Messrs Potts, Orford and Co will feel their route into first team football has not been blocked by the signing of, for example, another 23 year old. Far from it, another senior pro to use as a role model can only be a good thing for both the next-gen Hammers and the dressing room as a whole.

As a holding midfielder who knows his job inside out, I hope we will see the emergence of a midfield that works in two directions – breaking down attacks from the opposition yes, but also controlling the pace of the game and starting our own attacking moves. Too often the ball went long and possession was turned over last year. I’ll look to see how accurate my summation is over the coming weeks!