Nuno Espírito Santo gave Nils Koppen a very specific instruction when West Ham went looking for a new midfielder this summer — find me someone with a big engine.
The Hammers had just sold Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for £85m, leaving a significant hole in midfield, but Arne Engels was not necessarily the most obvious replacement.
Speaking about the £22m signing, Koppen explained that discussions with Nuno quickly established exactly what type of player West Ham needed.
West Ham decided to go “all in”
“It was quite obvious that we needed somebody with a big engine in the centre of the pitch,” explained Koppen. “We lost Mateus, who had a big impact last season.”
Koppen revealed that midfield was the area West Ham felt they needed to invest most heavily in, with Engels’ age, energy and ability to contribute immediately all counting in his favour.
His set-piece delivery was another major attraction, with Koppen describing it as “amazing” and particularly valuable in the Championship.
The recruitment chief was also impressed by Engels’ mentality and his experience of playing under pressure at Celtic Park.
“He ticks so many boxes,” said Koppen. “Let’s go all in.”
That eventually resulted in West Ham paying £22m to bring the Belgian international to London following what Koppen described as a long journey to complete the transfer.
Impressive numbers: Like Soucek, Engels covers an insane amount of ground in football matches
Nuno asked and Koppen delivered
What I found most interesting about Koppen’s comments was the fact that he’d indicated Nuno had told him that not only was midfield a priority, but to look for someone with a good engine.
In terms of distance covered, Engels has produced incredible numbers since joining West Ham. He is perpetual motion. He will not stop running.
Added to the fact that he’s more than happy to get stuck in, is pretty safe in possession and a set-piece specialist, he becomes an incredibly reliable option for Nuno.
I’ve already written about how Engels’ £22m transfer is starting to make much more sense, and his performances since then have done little to change my mind.
I think the thing I like most about this transfer is Espírito Santo told Koppen the player type, and the recruitment boss went out and got him.