As the January transfer window lurks just over a month away, it’s no surprise that the media have once again focused on West Ham United, linking us with every name under the sun. So what names are in the hat at the moment?
David Beckham
Firstly, the name David Beckham has been a name that has always been linked to West Ham whether it is the media acting on the fact his a London lad, or David Sullivan and David Gold being overly optimistic with their targets. Whatever the reason for this link I wouldn’t be surprised if there is actual foundation behind it.
I personally would love to see David Beckham at West Ham United, his set pieces, presence and experience would be invaluable, not to mention this would help benefit the club in it’s attempts to clinch a deal for the Olympic Stadium.
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The combination of Andy Carroll and David Beckham, tactically excites me and if it were to ever be the case, I can imagine Big Sam having a field day when it comes to set pieces.
One of the main hurdles we have to get pass would be his wages, but no doubt his name on shirt sales alone would help contribute to that, and I’m sure David Gold and David Sullivan would be more than happy to splash the cash from their own back pockets to get a player like him at the club.
Nicolas Anelka
Now this the standard of player we should be trying to sign, a proven goal-scorer, I mean it’s fair to say he is getting on in age now and maybe after a couple of seasons in China, his standard of football may have gone down hill, but he is a professional and no doubt he has made sure his fitness levels and so on are up to scratch.
As it appears Anelka is unsettled in China and is on the search for a new club, why not the Hammers? We are a London-based club and he should have no complaints about that. We are doing much better than expected in the league and once again he would be playing in the best league in the world.
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He has been branded as being a “sulk” throughout his career but as his aged he seems to have become more mature not only in his personality but in his style of play. His knowledge and finesse would be crucial for us and his friendship with Big Sam could well be a match made in heaven.
Nolito
Just like Anelka, the rumour that we are interested in the Benfica starlet, Nolito, doesn’t fail to excite me. Any player that once played for Barcelona is worth a look at, no? Whilst at Benfica he has really started to find himself as a player and his goal-scoring tally backs that up.
Nolito Is a crafty striker, and like most strikers nowadays, he can play on the wing too. Although we have plenty of forwards in the side we lack players who have the ability to run at the opposition and this is something that he would offer us. He is still young and has a lot of hunger and will no doubt jump at the opportunity to play in the Premier League.
How he would fit into our current system of play, is something beyond me, however if used in another system he could be very effective for us.
Darren Bent
The potential of having Darren Bent playing for West Ham does feel me with optimism, despite him failing to get much game time under Paul Lambert at Aston Villa. Bent has always been a player I thought was overrated and his price tags have always seemed obscure to me, however, I can’t fault him on his ability to hit the back of the net and this is something our strikers fail to do on a consistent and frequent basis.
It was only a matter of time that we would be linked with a move for the Aston Villa striker, as he appears to be not included in Paul Lamberts plans and with our love for signing forwards, the press love linking us to strikers.
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I would like to see Bent in the claret and blue for West Ham United for a change, as he proves when he is playing regularly he will get you goals and for many seasons he has always been high up in the goal-scoring charts.
He would cost between 8-10million which could be stumbling block, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we were to try and sign him on loan for the remainder of the season and then possibly sign him at the beginning of next season on permanent basis.
Carlton Cole
For ages now there has been rumours of Carlton Cole leaving West Ham, with some reports (even from the player himself) suggesting the clubs trying to force him out, but Cole has continuously stated he is happy with us and that he wants to finish his career with the club.
I personally have a lot of respect for Cole, for taking a wage cut and for sticking with us for so long, however he does lack the ability to score goals and he is too inconsistent for us. Now might be a good time to get a couple of million for his services to make room for new names.
A few comments:
Carlton Cole – struggled to score and is very frustrating at times – persistently gives away free kicks and often plods around aimlessly. In his defense, as a single target man with no penetrating wingers or creative midfielders in the side, whoever plays in that role (4-5-1), chances are limited and therefore so are goals.
Andy Carroll – see above. Poor old Andy Carroll is being used in Carlton Cole’s old role. With Jarvis not providing, and Vaz Te, Yossi and Taylor out with some injuries, the supply lines haven’t been there and so the goals hard to come by. Although, he’s had some chances he could have put away. He’s not fully to blame.
My analysis of these 2 are to keep them both. Cole loves the club and perhaps the humbling experience of being on the bench will make him hungrier when he comes on. Carroll and Nolan are friends so keep them together for now. The jury is still out on whether we should sign him at the end of the season.
Darren Bent – I can’t remember exactly but I’m sure we’ve tried signing him several times before and each time he blatantly turned his back on us, to the extent of me taking offence. If he did, he clearly didnt want to play for West Ham. Why would he now? Would his heart be in it? And is he worth paying 8 million for?
I think the 3 positions we can improve the squad in a 433 system are 2 wide men and cover for Noble – the names being mentioned for the wide positions are Beckham, Anelka, Nolito, Sulejmani, the Ayew brothers … Obviously we’ve got Vaz Te coming back in a month, but given the off-season rumours of his desire to move back to Portugal (soonish), we could add 2 world class players to improve on what we’ve got. My personal favorite in this list is Sulejmani – an outstanding player! watch his video! – but he needs to prove his fitness. I’m not sure Beckham is the kind to march to Nolan’s trumpet, but I’d love him at the club aswell (free kicks, corners, crosses, commercial benefits)
The reason i mention Noble’s cover is because Diarra seems to have gone walkabout. His mystery injury makes me think that he wasn’t at all happy with his non-selection at the start of the season. I wouldnt be surprised to see him go in January.
Final comment on Maiga. He looks like he’s got a lot of quality but he’s playing within himself. He seems like he’s lacking confidence and confused about what he’s being asked to do. He needs time but i think he’ll come good.
we need some pace and youth at full backs, would like to see Potts get some games. up front Cole played out of his skin today – but we lack support to the front man, carrols out for 6/8 weeks, if cole gets a knock we may struggle. Still 22 points, beating chelski 3.1. spot on. coyi