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Ultimate West Ham 5-a-side team

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SPT IHN 130507-11Putting our rather stop-start to the season on the back burner for a moment; I’m going to focus on something a bit more frivolous…your ultimate West Ham five-a-side…imagine a tournament between all the London clubs began tomorrow; who past/present would you select for the mighty Irons? After a bit of thought I believe I’ve concocted a motley crew that could take on the capital’s finest…

Goalkeeper: Jimmy Walker

He retired earlier this year, he’s now 40 years old…but what you need in a five-a-side ‘keeper is a shot-stopper with excellent reflexes and over the years there haven’t been many better in a West Ham shirt. (Just ask Frank Lampard) He only made 15 appearances for the club but he certainly made an impact and that save from Lampard alone earns him a spot in this team.

Defender: Rio Ferdinand

Simply the best ball playing centre-half in Premier League history; Rio is always calm, composed, in control, can spot a pass and play out from the back. The man literally has it all and it was one of the biggest mistakes in the modern day history of West Ham United that he was allowed to leave, he should’ve grown into the captain and lead the club to success.

Midfield: Mohamed Diame

In a five-aside contest you are going to need a ball winner, someone who’s quick, strong, isn’t afraid to put a tackle in, has energy in abundance and an eye for goal…step forward Mo Diame who is all of the above and so much more. So far Diame has proved the most impressive of the signings of the David Gold and David Sullivan era and already has helped the Irons faithful forget all about that Parker fella.

Midfield: Joe Cole

Joe Cole’s array of tricks and flicks are perfect for the close quarters game that is five-a-side, his ability to dribble, his eye for goal and his vision would no doubt cause the opposition a plethora of problems. Joe’s ability to create something out of nothing and to do something out of the ordinary makes him the perfect foil for all Diame’s hard graft.

Striker: Carlos Tevez

Carlos Tevez as a striker just has the lot: quick, skilful, strong and a great finisher but not only that; his determination, passion and will to win make him the perfect choice for our five-a-side front man. His time with the club was shrouded in controversy but focusing solely on his football you’ll struggle to find a better striker in the last 10 or so games of 06/07 season. The 3-1 win over Bolton that season showcased what Tevez was all about, scoring a belter of a free-kick, a tap in and setting Mark Noble up for the 3rd of the afternoon. Carlos’ ability to not only score but create makes him an easy pick.

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6 comments

  • Martin Longley says:

    Don’t think they’s beat: Parkes, Moore, Brooking, Devonshire and Cottee. Probably be a high scoring game though!

  • Dunno1948 says:

    Anybody that attended or remembers the London Evening Standard 5-a-sides at Wembley will know that Billy Bonds was THE outstanding player for both Charlton and then us through the Seventies. A must for Skipper as well.

  • John Atkinson says:

    I don’t know how old Kwame Boakye is, but he must have been born after 1966. ‘Nuff said.

  • Kwame says:

    John if you read the first paragraph of the article its ‘if a tournament started TOMORROW.’ So I focused on players who have played for the club recently.

  • Tonka says:

    If the criteria is players who have played for West Ham, based on their actual fitness/ability as of today, I go for:

    Green
    Johnson
    Diame, Morrison
    Defoe

    Subs: Reid, Noble, Lampard, Di Canio

    Reckon Diame and Ravel would be cracking 5 a side players

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