OPINION
One pressing issue on the minds of West Ham fans must be what formation Manuel Pellegrini is going to deploy next season, with the team using a three-man defence for large spells in the recent campaign.
The Hammers have both Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku as traditional left-back options in the squad, but the former found himself playing at centre-back and the latter in a more advanced wing role.
Pellegrini should keep Cresswell as one candidate for the full-back position, but look to add a second left-back option going into next year.
This will allow Masuaku to compete on a regular position for a more forward position as a winger, as he is like a caged animal when forced to defend.
Masuaku, 24, has shown that his strengths lie when he has the ball at his feet and taking on defenders, which is why he should ditch his responsibilities at full-back.
West Ham should as a result plot a move to sign Hertha Berlin defender Marvin Plattenhardt, who is reportedly on the radar of Premier League rivals Everton.
Sky Sports claims that Everton are interested in signing the 26-year-old left-back, who has been named in the Germany squad for the World Cup.
West Ham should though try hijack interest in the left-sided flyer and try to convince him to make the move to the London Stadium this summer.
Plattenhardt is a more tradiotnal left-back that can bomb forward when required, but is also defensively sound and could give Cresswell a run for his money in the starting XI.
He has shown during his career too he is quality at free-kicks and would be an excellent addition if he joined.
