OPINION
The name Carlos Sanchez is enough to send shivers down the spines of all West Ham United fans.
The holding midfielder has been plagued with injuries during his time at the London Stadium and has never managed to impress in his cameo appearances off the bench
Manuel Pellegrini made the decision to keep the Colombian international at the Hammers this summer after allowing Pedro Obiang to leave the club.
The 33-year-old missed 215 days of action and 34 games last season after completing knee surgery [Transfermarkt] and has only ever featured 13 times for West Ham.
Sanchez was brought into the side that was embarrassed 4-0 in the Carabao Cup against Oxford on Wednesday and was dreadful in the heart of midfield.
The highlights of Oxford’s goals highlighted one recurring theme, Sanchez stood still watching the ball hit his own net as he was bypassed for the entire game.
A report from Claret and Hugh on Friday claimed that the Hammers are keeping a close eye on their loaned-out maestro, Josh Cullen at Charlton.
The club source claim on their website that the 23-year-old could be recalled to the club in the first two weeks of January, which would see Sanchez’ West Ham future put at risk.
Claret and Hugh report that Pellegrini will be tempted to sell the Colombian should any clubs register an interest in his services.
Pellegrini should not hesitate over the possibility of bringing Cullen back to the London Stadium after it was revealed he was extremely close to being named in their Premier League squad this season.
The Irish international has been ever-present for Charlton in the Championship this season and often dictates their style of play from the heart of midfield.
Cullen averages 48 passes per game for the Addicks, at a reasonable success rate of 81.5% according to WhoScored, and surely Pellegrini would rather have a young and hungry player than an older midfielder who is yet to put in an impressive performance at the club.
Sanchez is clearly not good enough to have the responsibility of replacing either Mark Noble or Declan Rice if needs be, and his 14 minutes of Premier League action this season proves he isn’t exactly trusted in top-flight games.
Pellegrini should not think twice to replace Sanchez with Cullen in January, as the Colombian international has more than proved that he is way past his best since joining the club.
