Despite big injuries to players such as Dimitri Payet and Enner Valencia in recent months, there is some positive news coming out of Upton Park.
Summer signing Pedro Obiang is hoping to be fit in time for the Hammers’ clash with Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. The Italian’s Premier League career has started steadily but there are certain features of his game that suggest he could be a valuable option for Slaven Bilic in the long term.
In his brief performances so far, Obiang has shown a touch of class and composure on the ball in the middle of the park. Despite the successes of Cheikou Kouyate and Mark Noble this season, there is still a lack of composure and assurance in midfield at times.
Obiang certainly provides more of a ‘keep-ball’ approach and this is something that could prove vital for the Hammers as the fixture list continues to grow.
The former Sampdoria midfielder is by no means the finished article but at just 23-years-old, he still has the potential to adapt his game to the Premier League. He has become a bit of a forgotten man in recent weeks as the team was picking up good results in his absence but as we all know, this is a long season and having that strength in depth is very important.
With Alex Song also getting match-fit, competition for places in midfield is sure to heat up. At times this season we have struggled to keep the ball for prolonged periods and there almost seems a rush to get it to the forward players, especially against weaker opposition. The Hammers need deeper-lying playmakers such as Obiang and Song to provide an initial plan B.
It may take time for this approach to properly develop, but the fact that the Hammers have the players that can offer something else is certainly very encouraging.
Obiang is Spanish, not Italian
Yep definitely Spanish lol and a very good player .