This summer has been out of the ordinary for West Ham fans around the world. Big money spent, big names in and the season is now just around the corner. In this article, I will be taking a look at how West Ham could line-up this coming season.
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Manuel Pellegrini is a big fan of the 4-2-2-2 formation which he has previously used at Manchester City and Malaga, which is of course music to the ears of Javier Hernandez fans. This particular formation allows Pellegrini to adapt his system against different opponents rather than switching formations, making adaptability key in his success as a manager.
Goalkeeper – Łukasz Fabiański
The Polish shot stopper is one of several incomings at the London Stadium this summer. The former Swansea and Arsenal ‘keeper switched Wales for East London in a £7,000,000 deal and certainly hasn’t been signed to watch Adrian from the stands every week.
Right-back – Ryan Fredericks
The 25 year-old right-back was Pellegrini’s first signing at West Ham following a successful season with Fulham, helping them gain promotion to the Premier League.
Fredericks was named in the Championship team of the year last term and arrived at West Ham following the expiration of his contract at Fulham.
Centre-back – Issa Diop
The French Under-21 defender joined West Ham from Toulouse this window for a mouth watering £22,000,000.
Diop was previously the captain at Toulouse, where he made 95 appearances for his hometown club.
The 6’4” centre-back was described as a “player with fantastic potential who has already shown great quality at such a young age” by new director of football, Mario Husillos.
Centre-back – Angelo Ogbonna
Despite the signing of Fabián Balbuena, I tip Ogbonna to retain his place in the Hammers defence.
Ogbonna made 32 appearances in the league last season and was a standout performer for a large part of our campaign.
Left-back – Aaron Cresswell
The left-back spot will be debated all season long by the West Ham faithful, however, in my opinion, the position should go to Cresswell. Fast, reliable, and crossing that David Beckham would be envious of. The 28 year-old would create a fantastic balance to the team should he be picked.
Central midfield – Mark Noble
The skipper made 29 appearances in the league last season, scoring four goals. Despite the emergence of Declan Rice and competition from Pedro Obiang, should he stay with club, I still tip Noble to keep his place in a new look Hammers side.
Central midfield – Jack Wilshere
Wilshere joined West Ham this summer following the expiration of his contract at Arsenal. The England international signed on a three-year contract and is somewhat of a coup for the East London side.
Attacking midfield – Felipe Anderson
Anderson became West Ham’s record signing earlier in the window when he joined from Italian side Lazio. The signing of the creative Brazilian is a sign of intent from the board, director of football and the manager.
Anderson has one cap for the Brazilian national team and an impressive set of statistics from his time in Italy. I expect Anderson to blossom in this West Ham side, linking up with Arnautovic nicely.
Attacking midfield – Andriy Yarmelenko
Yarmelenko joined the Irons this summer from Bundesliga giants Borrusia Dortmund for a reported £17,500,000. The talented winger is second in the Ukraine’s all-time top scorers list, behind only Andriy Shevchenko.
Yarmelenko is a wide player who shares similar traits to Bayern Munich legend Arjen Robben. The 28 year-old joins West Ham on a four-year deal
Striker – Javier Hernandez
Hernandez was starved of action during his first season in claret and blue making only 28 appearances in the league, scoring 8 goals.
The Mexican international was impressive during the World Cup as his side reached the last 16 in the tournament.
It has now been confirmed that Javier Hernandez wants to stay with the club and will play a big part in our season (@ExWHUemployee)
Striker – Marko Arnautovic
Arnautovic enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in his first season at the London Stadium last season. Scoring 11 goals and assisting 8 goals in all competitions.
The Austrian forward was awarded the Hammer of the year trophy at last season’s player awards and will be hoping for more of the same this season.
Written By Josh | @TFFJosh