OPINION
Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen spoke recently about his frustration with life under Maurizio Sarri, and West Ham should look to capitalise on the youngster’s discontent with a January loan bid.
The 20-cap Denmark international recently told bt.dk in his native homeland about his struggles this season, saying: “It has been a hard season. To be honest, it has been very difficult. I had a good season last year and I played a good World Cup.
“I cannot stand to have so much patience again. Now I’m 22-years-old and I really want to play. In the last three seasons, I’ve played, so it’s clear that I do not see me staying if my current situation is also true in the future.”
Clearly the player is not happy, and a temporary switch to the London Stadium seems to be the perfect resolution for all involved. Christensen would get the opportunity to play regular first team football at a high level, while West Ham would receive one of the most talented young centre backs in Europe.
Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena have both impressed to varying degrees in East London this season, but Christensen is arguably more talented than either man.
He showed during his two year loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, and for his parent club last season, that he is a top level operator with many strings to his bow.
The 22-year-old is a powerful player with sublime defensive instincts. His passing ability is very good, too, and he would be a fine addition to the Hammers defence in that respect.
Both Diop and Balbuena are pretty pedestrian in their passing, whereas Christensen has the ability to bring the ball out from the back to good effect.
Winston Reid is currently out with a long term injury, meaning that Angelo Ogbonna is the only senior centre back available to cover the first choice duo.
Christensen would provide added depth at the position, while instantly improving the talent level of the Hammers defence. He needs to play regular football at this stage of his career and West Ham can certainly offer him that.
The fact that it would only be a temporary switch would ensure Chelsea’s amiability, too, as they wouldn’t have to worry about losing a player they rate highly on a permanent basis.
This is a deal that makes sense for all parties and is one that Manuel Pellegrini should seriously consider come January. Doing so would provide his defence, and team as a whole, with a huge upgrade.
