Momo is linked with a move away again this transfer window, with Arsenal supposedly interested again. Since recently paying off their state of the art stadium they are apparently going to be spending bigger than usual. West Ham’s “signing of the season” has been very impressive throughout the season and generated a lot of interest in the January window. If someone does meet the release fee clause then I don’t feel that we’ll be able to hold onto him. Who can fill the void left by the Senegalese international if he does get up and go? Below are five options.
- James McCarthy – Relegated Wigan’s Irish centre midfielder is far too good to stay with Wigan during their Championship campaign. He has impressed many this season, which isn’t easy considering he’s played for the relegated side. He was an ever present for Wigan, scoring 3 goals and contributing 2 assists. He averages 60 passes a game with a pass success rate of 87%. Of course his passing stats are much higher than Mo’s because he plays for Wigan who like to play the passing game under Roberto Martinez. He’s a talented 22 year old who is hardly a like for like replacement for Momo but could certainly do a job.
- Morgan Schneiderlin – The 23 year centre midfielder has impressed many fellow professionals and ex-pros this season. He has made many people’s teams of the seasons, and would certainly make a second team or underrated XI of the season. He has made the most interceptions per game in the Premier League and also contributed 5 goals for Southampton. He is generally a holding midfielder so could fill the void on Momo Diame, however, he is now highly rated and perhaps a little above our budget and wouldn’t leave Saints for any club lower than top 6.
- Massimo Ambrosini – We’ve all heard the rumours that the veteran is on his way, so I thought I’d include him in the list of 5 midfield replacements. I’m not sure what role Ambrosini would have at the club. He is a defensive midfielder with tons of experience playing for a top European club and in the Champions League. I’m very doubtful that he would fill the void of Momo, who puts himself about up and down the pitch. I can’t say I have seen him play very much over the years, but not many 35 year olds can run and run for 90 minutes. His experience will be good to have in the changing room, but it is not yet known what this role will be.
- Jack Colback – The 23 year old Sunderland defensive midfielder has had a decent season as a holding midfielder despite playing for a side that until recently (Paolo’s arrival) have been in disarray. He has good tackles and interceptions per game ratios, and doesn’t really contribute to the attack (0 g, 0 a). He has also shown great versatility, playing at least one game in 6 different positions. I feel we could get him relatively on the cheap (Paolo’s links) and he may flourish in our squad, with a disciplined defensive role.
- Liam Bridcutt – I thought I would go down to the Championship to hunt for a bargain. I have spoken to many people who have been impressed with Bridcutt this season. He is a Scottish 24 year old who plays for Brighton. He was their stand out player in the first leg of their playoff semi final. He is a very slight build, so quite the opposite of Momo Diame but he is no pushover and for a bargain this guy could perhaps fill the void with some risk.
What do you think of these five players?
Who would you want to fill the void if Diame was to leave?
(@TheTobyFry)
Absolutely Bridcutt all the way. Having seen him a few times and play well everytine. Gotta be him.
Thought that Momo’s clause was only active for the Jan window?
Decent player Diame but with notable flaws in his game. Sign sharpish or clear off please..need FULLY COMMITTED players !
There is a brilliantly talented central midfielder who had a great season in the Championship and could be the answer for West Ham. His name is Ravel Morrison.
Any chance of him getting a chance?
He’s an attacking midfielder? Wouldn’t have the discipline to hold, and probably wouldn’t be good at it even if he did.
Who says we need two holding midfielders? Noble sits in front of the back 4 – the other central midfielder needs to be predominantly a creative player and to get forward, which is what Diame has done when he’s been playing well.
It’s when we have two central midfielders sitting back that we get mired in long ball stuff.
Good shout Tonka ……. what about George Moncur in the Academy . Great potential and raring to go .
Huge risk with academy players being the first choice in the position. Of course give him a chance. Some risks do pay off but risky IMO!
i would take Bridcutt, Colback and schneiderlan, they are all quality players and all worthy of taking Diame’s place.
We’ve got youth on Morrison and moncou .but we will buy or loan a 30 something big sam afraid to try youth
lets not forget diarra and o’neill are on their way aswel, so we may well see atleast 2 new faces at cm expecially if diame goes, ambrosini on a free will be one of them
ok your list bridcutt wouldbe my choice,but personally i think the midfield as a whle needs an overhaul,noble lacks pace.Giving morrison a chance would also be high on priorities.
heres some other players that would also help improve our midfield
leroy fer-fc twente-23 year old dutch international standing at 6’2 fits sams taller player mold,would be a real influence in the middle of the park.
artem dzyuba-spartak moscow-24year old russian international has also lined up as a striker.
I’ve heard of Fer, but thought he was a little more wanting of Champions League? And I’m not sure I’ve heard of Dzyuba. I’ve not seen either of them play either so couldn’t comment properly.
Wigan are valuing McCarthy close to 20 Million and Southampton are valuing Schneiderlin around 10. If we were to spend that much on a replacement for Momo, I’d look at Josuha Guilavogui from St. Etienne, then Schneiderlin, then Bridcutt.
Only Liverpool would pay 20m for McCarthy. Not heard of Guilavogui.
Isn’t this post a tad premature when he hasn’t actually left us ? Or are you trying to encourage him to leave ?
This question should only be asked when and if he does move on… imho
I’m sure Mo will make his decision after viewing this blog. “Ifs” can be asked sometimes.
I’m not convinced that any of those mentioned are significantly better than GON, so why bother? In any case, he’s never really played defensive mf for us as he rampages forward with powerful surging runs and is hard to dispossess. How do any of those mentioned replace that in our otherwise static one paced midfield?
I don’t feel GON could really replace Momo, and even if he could it would be for 2 years MAX. I agree, these guys are not direct replacements. But, I’m not confident enough searching through the African leagues to find the “next Diame”. We got Mo on a free. Signing of the season. Hard/impossible to do again. And by that I mean a player of his type and quality.
What utter nonsense! Mo-Mo is going nowhere! Just like the media/journo trash talk that went on during the last transfer window, this latest round of trival is just rumours to sell column inches! Just as before nobody has bid for Mo and he doesn’t want to go anywhere! Glad we got that cleared up!
I think we already have a replacement in Diarra !!