OPINION
The team selection for the first game of the season is often a headache for the majority of managers, not least Manuel Pellegrini, who is set to take charge of his first competitive fixture with West Ham this afternoon.
After making a flurry of signings this summer – ten in total – the question undoubtedly on everyone’s lips is who he will select to face Liverpool in their season opener at Anfield.
The Reds are renowned for their lethal attack and the Chilean will need to pick his central defence carefully in order to combat this potential threat.
He must start centre-back Issa Diop this afternoon, instead of fellow signing Fabian Balbuena.
Balbuena performed well in the pre-season friendlies and had a good run of form, but the 6″4 [Transfermarkt] giant has the pace to cope with the intensity of Liverpool’s front three.
Being a younger player obviously has its advantages, and playing Diop will be one of Pellegrini’s best decisions if the Hammers end up getting a result at Anfield.
Paraguayan international Balbuena is a talented defender, but he would not be able to keep up with the pace that Liverpool like to play at.
Playing against the Reds can often be an end to end game, and this style requires a player who can track back quickly and not leave the defence exposed.
Pellegrini would leave the Hammers exposed he started Balbuena, and he would soon see the risk he has taken when Liverpool start to pick holes in the back four.
Diop may only be 21-years-old, but he has a bright future ahead of him at West Ham, and he is a player who could make a vital difference against the Premier League giants.
