OPINION
Left back has been a problem for West Ham United all season long and, despite Aaron Cresswell locking down a starting spot with some improved displays in recent weeks, the spectre of Arthur Masuaku still looms behind him.
It’s been clear for some time that Masuaku is a liability at left back and that he is better suited to a role as a winger. That means that Manuel Pellegrini could do with some more reliable cover behind Cresswell.
Perhaps, then, the club should enter the race for in-demand Bournemouth left back Tyrone Mings. The Daily Mail reported on Thursday that Championship sides West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa are interested in taking the player on loan.
West Ham should volunteer themselves as a Premier League alternative to those sides. Mings is a player full of potential who could do a solid job as competition for Cresswell on the left hand side of defence.
At 6ft 4in [Source: Transfermarkt] Mings is a colossus who would offer something completely different to Cresswell. He has incredible pace and power, and shone in the Championship for Ipswich Town before his move to the Vitality Stadium.
The only problem for Mings at Bournemouth has been his inability to stay fit. However, he has been available fairly regularly this season, but has been unable to truly breakthrough into Eddie Howe’s first choice team.
Another reason for pursuing Mings is his ability to operate at centre half as well as left back. Pellegrini currently has only Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna as fully fit centre halves, and Mings would therefore be able to provide cover for two positions which are short on strength in depth.
A short term loan deal would enable Pellegrini to get a look at the 25-year-old and decide whether he’s worth making a bid for him in the summer. If Mings can prove his fitness and make an impact in the team then why not make the move permanent?
Masuaku at left back, even as the back up option, is an untenable situation. The lack of centre halves, too, is a real issue for the Hammers. A loan swoop for Mings can solve both those problems.
