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Nailing the Irons media midfielder myth

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Anderson – one of five attacking midfielders.

It’s been a couple of days when I’ve found it difficult not to laugh out loud when constantly reading that we are interested in any one of various attacking midfielders.

Indeed barely a day has gone by this summer when we haven’t been linked with one of these guys anywhere from Turkey to Timbuktoo.

The latest is name is in fact from Greece, Olympiakos’ Kostas Fortounis, who is being linked with us just days after Andre Gomes said no thanks.

It’s hardly rocket science to work out what is required in the West Ham midfield and it certainly isn’t an attacking midfielder but – as stated on various occasions –  a defensive midfielder to work alongside Declan Rice and that is where I am told Manuel Pellegrini’s focus is right now.

The reason is simple: West Ham currently have a group of five players who can attack defences from the middle of the park.

When they are all fit we have Felipe Anderson, Manu Lanzini, Anrdiy Yarmlolenko, Jack Wilshere and Robert Snodgrass whilst Declan is our only out and out defensive midfielder and Nobes is best described perhaps as a central midfielder. 🙂

Pedro Obiang is widely expected to be on his way of course along, probably, with Carlos Sanchez who doesn’t look good enough anyway..

That’s where we need to spend a chunk on a player who can help Dec to protect the back four and lend a hand in getting things started.

It may be a good idea therefore to ignore the rumours about any other attacking midfielders – frankly it doesn’t make a huge amount of sense.

COYI

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Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

6 comments

  • Danielson79 says:

    Who would you like to see us buy hugh?

    • Trouble is there aren’t that many out there Dan. I have loads of faith in Husillos and Pelle. I’m gonna dodge it and leave it with them mate LOL

  • Roger says:

    We also have Antonio of course.

  • West Ham Fan No 33 says:

    Shame if rumours are true about Gomes but maybe Shelvey can come too n and give us something different? Or maybe Husillos has an unearthed gem somewhere?

  • Zahama says:

    I agree that what we really need is a defensive midfielder with pace energy and bite

    For that reason I would much rather we signed Hayden than Shelvey. I feel that with such a midfielder plus Declan Noble could still have a role further forward. Anyway now it is about a squad – even the 14 for the match rather than the 11

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