So badly needs someone to help him
So far this winter I have read only that we are looking for defenders and strikers! I really hope that’s not the extent of it.
During the summer I was vociferous in my claims that the biggest requirement the team faced was a defensive midfielder to cover for – our help out – Declan Rice.
I don’t include Carlos Sanchez in this scenario.
We have now seen how overworked the Declan has been trying to protect a back four which so far has conceded 20 goals – worse than any club other the bottom three.
It was always going to be dodgy relying on 32 year old Mark Noble who – although he may be okay for Spurs – is going to feel the strain these days and is already a regular second half departure.
The international break is always a time when you worry because there’s too much time on our hands to think about much other than the problems in the squad.
I was told by an agent who shall remain nameless that Ajeti was poor when we signed him so an addition will be very handy up top.
And we all know there are problems at the back although some, such as the return of Balbuena for Ogbonna, are self inflicted.
But the biggest issue for me was and remains the defensive midfield situation and it needs sorting fast.
COYI
Yep. But its not been six months Hugh its been getting on for 3 years.
William Carvalho anyone?
Fair comment
I agree totally it is verging on the insane that this matter has not been addressed especially in view of obiang kouyate and fernandez not being replaced.if this matter is not dealt with i worry about pellegrinis competence
Six months ??
More like 4 years. I just cannot understand the blindspot at west ham for this position. The last few windows we got rid of kouyate and obiang (who were far from perfect) and get in just Sanchez, actually weakening us further. Perhaps Cullen can come back asap, God help us if rice gets injured.
I was very concerned at the start of the season,following the rubbish statement from MP
that we had 2 players in every position,dont all clubs !!
It appeared that should Fabianski,Rice or Haller be injured long term,we would be in heaps of trouble. I believe we have to go defensive until Fab is back and protect the excuse for a goal-keeper we have at present.If that means playing 3 in defence with Declan as a sweeper,
then it has to be,its not as if we are creating much at the other end anyway.Shame this international break isn’t for 3 months .
I agree Hugh that a Defensive midfielder is our greatest need – from the early season line-up Pelle played Wiltshire there which does not make sense. I understand that Fornals needs time to get up to speed with the Premier League – but then why blow the transfer budget on him instead of on a DM? As others have pointed out we have lost Kouyate, Obiang and Fernandez – who at least could run! If a DM had been signed I would have a lot more faith in Pelle