Former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie has called for a significant defensive overhaul at the club. The Hammers legend has suggested a triple signing of two centre-backs and a goalkeeper should be a priority this summer.
West Ham Eye Defensive Overhaul
McAvennie is not impressed with the current crop of defenders, including goalkeepers Alphonse Areola and Lukasz Fabianski. He has previously criticised centre-backs Kurt Zouma and Konstantinos Mavropanos.
The former striker seems to be one of the few impressed with Vladimir Coufal at right-back and has suggested he should be part of the defensive rebuild. McAvennie emphasised the need for players who fight for the team, a quality he sees in Coufal.
Despite Areola’s generally positive performances this season, McAvennie believes both he and Fabianski are expendable. This stance highlights the desire for a complete defensive refresh.
McAvennie’s criticism of Zouma and Mavropanos’ error-prone displays is well documented. He believes their inconsistencies have placed an undue burden on the attackers like Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen.
With Emerson Palmieri seemingly established at left-back, McAvennie suggests three signings in central positions would solidify West Ham’s defence and propel them to the next level.
McAvennie’s comments reflect the growing frustration amongst West Ham fans regarding the team’s defensive frailties. The upcoming summer transfer window provides an opportunity for a significant defensive overhaul, potentially shaping the club’s fortunes in the upcoming season.
i’ve read many of McAvennie’s comments over the past few years and whilst i have immense respect for his footballing feats with West Ham, he appears to be a bit of a simplistic doofus when it comes to talking tactics. Areola has been incredible so far. without him some of our losses would have been more like basketball scores