OPINION
West Ham must swoop for Fulham’s Kevin McDonald in the summer as he has all the characteristics that would make him a revelation at the London Stadium.
The Hammers are drastically in need of improving their midfield options, in terms of quality and by actually signing players so they have depth, and Fulham’s 6ft 2in tall defensive midfielder ticks all the boxes.
Aside from being tough in the tackle, an intimidating presence, and a decent passer of the ball, McDonald has a never-say-die attitude that would see him become a fan favourite.
The 29-year-old midfield enforcer has played for a impressive Fulham side this season, making 44 appearances, but is one of only handful of players that have still covered themselves in glory when the team have struggled.
For instance look at Fulham’s disappointing 1-0 loss to Derby in their first game in the play-offs on Friday night, McDonald was the only one who could hold his head up high that was playing for the Cottagers.
While a lot is written about talented stars that make up the Championship side, the enforcer is often overshadowed by his more flamboyant, prolific teammates.
Every side needs a player capable of doing its dirty work as well as running the midfield, no more so than the Hammers, and this is exactly the role McDonald currently plays at Fulham.
Without him Tom Cairney would be getting nowhere near the amount of plaudits he receives, and there’s no reason to suggest that the 29-year-old couldn’t help unleash teammates the same way if he arrived at the London Stadium next season.
With the Cottagers play-off dreams looking a little worse for wear at this stage, the Hammers could easily tempt the 6ft 2in enforcer to join them as they would provide him Premier League football.
Therefore the Hammers must sign McDonald, his price will no doubt not be too high, as he is the type of player who still manages to shine even when his teammates drop the ball.
And after witnessing a terrible season, Hammers supporters deserve to be able to see a player exactly like McDonald provide them with a better campaign next year.
