OPINION
West Ham United are obviously wanting to erase the horror show that was Sunday’s match against Liverpool from their memories.
They need to wipe the slate clean and start afresh – but the only way to do that is to solve the midfield conundrum after the Reds thumped them 4-0.
Declan Rice and Jack Wilshere were not particularly impressive in the middle of the park, barely getting a look in as their Liverpool counterparts ran the show.
This needs to change, and fast – otherwise teams are just going to walk all over them.
Another player is needed to solve this midfield conundrum, and boss Manuel Pellegrini must look further down the pecking order to find the answer he is looking for in the shape of Josh Cullen.
Since the arrival of Wilshere, the central enforcer has barely had the chance to show Pellegrini what he can do, despite playing regularly in the latter half of last season under former manager David Moyes.
The 22-year-old could freshen up the midfield with his Republic of Ireland under-21 teammate Rice, which would be an interesting combination for the Chilean to consider in order to inject some life back in to the middle of the park.
The Evening Standard quoted Cullen as stating that he is eyeing up a potential loan exit to impress Pellegrini, but he must be kept at the London Stadium in light of West Ham’s recent problems.
Pellegrini cannot afford to let him go after the horror show he witnessed the other day.
A fresh pair of legs is just what he needs to solve this conundrum, and awarding Cullen a start will only improve the youngster’s confidence that he has the ability to be a success at the club.
Pellegrini needs to add energy to his tired-looking midfield, and Cullen is the perfect candidate to provide that.
