West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini is willing to give Winston Reid “every chance” of making a return to the first team, according to reliable outlet Claret & Hugh.
The 6’3″ defender has been out of action since March 2018 with a knee injury, but it is understood that his boss his keen to give him an opportunity to prove himself when he is available for action again.
The report also states that part of the reason it has taken so long for Reid to return is because of Pellegrini’s “steely determination” to make sure he is fully fit to ensure his best chance at making a successful return.
OPINION
If Reid can get back to the player that he was prior to his injury, then he would be a real asset for the Hammers. In his last full season in the side back in 2016/17, the New Zealander averaged 1.1 tackles, 2.7 interceptions, and 8.1 clearances per game in the Premier League, as well as a Whoscored rating of 7.08. As a point of reference, 1.8 tackles, 0.3 interceptions, 5.2 clearances, and a rating of 6.86, as per Whoscored. Logic dictates, therefore, that if Reid can get back to his best, he would stand a very good chance of usurping the Italian in the starting lineup. At 31, however, with 18 months of injury behind him, it will be a lot easier said than done for him to rekindle his former spark. It’s not impossible, of course, but he could face an uphill battle.
