OPINION
West Ham legend Alvin Martin was asked what areas of the club Manuel Pellegrini needed to strengthen this summer and he pratically confirmed that Leander Dendoncker would be the ideal signing.
The 59-year-old, who played 596 times for the Hammers, mentioned several positions that needed strengthening but when he was talking about what was needed in midfield, he got it spot-on.
“A central midfielder, with mobility and presence, somebody who when we lose the ball is going to be able to get about the pitch and organise people and that’s going to be really important for us,” said Martin on episode 89 of The West Ham Way on Phoenix 98 FM.
While the Hammers legend didn’t put forward any specific names, his criteria for what he sees as a vital recruit for the club, would be met by the arrival of Leander Dendoncker.
The 23-year-old is mobile, stands at 6ft 1in tall (according to Transfermarkt), and is more than capable of winning the ball for his side.
Dendoncker has proven all of this in his latest campaign, where he has shone for RSC Anderlecht in the 44 appearances he made for the club across all competitions.
The colossus dominated the midfield battle for the Belgian side and is more than capable of transferring his form over to the Premier League.
The Daily Mail claimed earlier this month that the 23-year-old had an £18million price tag on his head, and given how vital he would be at the London Stadium next season, Pellegrini should already be on the phone getting a deal done.
Especially as Dendoncker, despite his young age, would also be able to organise the club’s midfield just like Martin believes is necessary.
The midfield enforcer is Anderlecht’s captain and has on many occasions rallied his team on, in order to achieve the results their talent warranted and he has helped his side’s cause by keeping everyone organised.
Therefore given that the Hammers legend has got it spot-on with his assessment of the type of midfielder that should arrive this summer, the club should see his wish met by spending £18million on signing Dendoncker.
