Nailing the Irons media midfielder myth

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