OPINION
West Ham have done some excellent transfer business this summer and have made several signings that have helped addressed the club’s leaky defence that was left over from last season.
The Hammers conceded an embarrassing 68 goals in 38 games and that was one of the reason why they found themselves battling relegation for a portion of their latest campaign.
However since Manuel Pellegrini’s arrival the club have clearly tried to address this key issue in the summer transfer window in order to ensure that their defence is much more solid in their 2018/19 campaign.
While the Hammers looked at several potential defenders to sign that were proven in the Premier League such as Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles, as reported by the Daily Mirror, and Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson, as stated by Wales Online, ahead of him joining Fulham, they opted to recruit a player that hadn’t played in Europe before instead.
Pellegrini welcomed Fabian Balbuena to the club earlier in the summer after recruiting Issa Diop for £22million (BBC) and he was a wildcard option to choose when trying to improve the club’s defensive qualities.
Unlike Diop, who was on a few people’s radars from playing in France, Balbuena was less widely known as he was playing his football in Brazil for the iconic Corinthians.
The 26-year-old also has only seven international caps for Paraguay so had hardly been given the stage needed to make his name at international level.
Yet based on his few displays during the Hammers’ pre-season he looks like the option that will solve the club’s problems at the back.
During the 1-0 victory over Angers, Balbuena looked comfortable on the ball, appeared to handle opponents running at him and seemed to have a great eye for a pass.
While he may have been playing against lower-ranked opponents on that occasion, he appeared to have the skills needed to excel in the Premier League.
The Hammers may face a tough opening fixture of the new Premier League season as they’re set to face Liverpool but Pellegrini must put his faith in his wildcard option and start him against the Reds.
