OPINION
Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso; Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit; Roy Keane and Paul Scholes – The Premier League is known for its midfield partnerships.
Could West Ham etch their names into the history books?
They already have one prodigious talent on the cards in the shape of Declan Rice, the industrious, no nonsense performances from the youngster earning him not only plaudits from all corners of England but a call up to the Three Lions’ squad.
Currently alongside club legend Mark Noble, the Hammers must realise that they need to take the next step in terms of quality if they are to progress in the Premier League, and finding someone who has the passing range, vision and all round technical ability to match Rice’s ball winning qualities is not going to be an easy task.
It is likely the reason why they are reportedly, as claimed by the Mirror, chasing the capture of Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish – a man who ticks every box for the Irons in their hunt for a midfield maestro to line up alongside Rice.
With a creativity to match his abilities on the ball, the 23-year-old links up Villa’s midfield and attack to great effect and there is a reason many rate him as one of the best talents the Championship have to offer – not to mention why there is likely to be a hefty price tag on his head.
With homegrown talent already at a premium in the top flight, having both Rice and Grealish – two of the most exciting prospects the country has to offer right now – would surely make the Hammers the envy of the Premier League, not to mention bringing the perfect balance of dynamism and determination in the centre of the park.
