Moyes squad as strong as we’ve seen for ages

By CandH’s top blogger Allen Cummings 

Did David Moyes do enough in the transfer window to improve not only the team but equally important the strength in depth of the West Ham squad?

Today’s visit of Manchester City will be the first opportunity Moyes has had to consider all his current squad options, including all three of new arrivals – Said Benrahma not having been signed in time to face the Spuds last Sunday.

There’s no point pretending we can match the likes of the so-called ‘big six’ with their big-named squads. The clubs with multi-million pound first teams, and only marginally less expensive ‘reserves’ sat warming the bench.

Issa Diop will be chomping at the bit for a return

But realistically when you look at those who are likely to miss out on a start against City, chances are Moyes is pretty satisfied with his lot.

Given the manager is likely to stick with the same team he started against Tottenham on Sunday – Moyes is rarely one to change for change sake – he now has a variety of capable options to bring on should the need arise.

Manuel Lanzini of course would be an obvious choice, so too would Benrahma. Sebastien Haller, who missed last Sunday with injury will hopefully be available again, while Andrily Yarmolenko has already shown just how effective he can be given the opportunity.

Robert Snodgrass’ vast experience and reliability makes him an asset not lost on Moyes and the same can be also said of Mark Noble, who now looks as if his first team starts will be limited.

Issa Diop lost his place through his isolation with covid, and is no doubt champing at the bit to get back to first team action. Of course Craig Dawson has now been added to provide extra central defensive cover while Ryan Fredericks and Ben Johnson stand ready and waiting should they be required.

Let’s not forget Darren Randolph –  an able stand-in  stand-in for Lukas Fabianski. Four of those named won’t even make the cut. There are plenty of teams of a similar level to us in the Premier League who would be delighted with options like that.

Of course the one area where it’s generally accepted we are light on cover is defensive midfield. Hopefully some business can be done there next January. In the meantime, as a team and a squad I don’t believe we have been quite as strong as we are right now for some considerable time.