While all the attention is currently focussed upon the potential signing of a striker, many astute Hammers fans are even more concerned that Mr Bilic FINALLY sorts out the open door at right back that has bedevilled West Ham's season.
Time and again, a decent start in a game has been undone by our frailties at right back where, despite their best efforts, neither Michail Antonio nor Havard Nordtveit are natural defenders and in a league as competitive as the Premiership get caught for that crucial yard that opens up real space and opportunity.
As a typical example, against Manchester United on Monday the Hammers battled bravely with ten men but one sensed that the introduction of the pacey Marcus Rashford would create space - and he was only on the pitch a matter of minutes before he carved up space past the hapless Nordtveit that allowed Juan Mata a relatively simple opener.
For whatever reason, Alvaro Arbeloa has not been deemed suitable - something that has bemused many fans - whilst young Sam Byram had yet to find his feet before going down to a prolonged injury.
Just across town lies an ideal solution at the Gooners with Arsene Wenger announcing earlier this week that he is happy for both Carl Jenkinson and Mathieu Debuchy to leave Arsenal this month. The two right-backs have each managed just one Premier League appearance so far this season.
Jenkinson, in particular, looks an attractive option as he enjoyed an excellent start to his time at West Ham before a combination of a dip in form, bad luck and injuries took him back to the Emirates. west Ham tried to capture the on-loan Jenkinson on a permanent deal at the end of his first season but were put off by the hefty £10 million fee Arsenal were seeking.
Undoubtedly that fee would be vastly reduced by now but Jenkinson has recovered well from his injury and at 24 still has the best part of his career ahead of him. As a proper specialist right back he would help to bolster our flogged confidence in defence as (unlike Antonio) he is much less likely to get caught wrong-side of his opponent, and (unlike Nordtveit) would not be so readily caught for pace and knows what to do going forward.
Are you in favour of a return to West Ham for Jenkinson? Why not vote in our fans poll?
Jenks was fantastic at West Ham!
ReplyDeletelet's get him back, if possible!
Why not put Oxford there...
ReplyDeleteI agree with Oxford having a game he has been wasted so far and now he is fit he needs a opportunity.
ReplyDelete