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Opinion: There’s an obvious position West Ham need to make a signing in, it’s got to happen in next six months
West Ham are yet to make a signing in the January transfer window which slams shut in less than two weeks.
The Hammers have made some impressive signings in recent years. But the best was the return of David Moyes in December 2019. Qualifying for the Europa League just 12 months after suriving relegation. And the Scot knows his way around the transfer market too.
His signings have been key to West Ham’s change in fortune. Jarrod Bowen, Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal all signing on a permanent basis. While Jesse Lingard’s six-month loan deal was also inspired in seeing the Hammers finish sixth last season.
Kurt Zouma and Nikola Vlasic joined over the summer, with the former becoming a key player in defence. But Moyes is yet to sign a left-back in either of his spells in charge of the East London side. And it’s a position that needs prioritising in the next two windows if the club are to become European regulars.
Cresswell is getting older
Currently aged 32, Cresswell may start to struggle with the additional games that comes with European football.
Signed from Ipswich Town in 2014, the left-back has been one of West Ham’s most consistent players since signing. He won the Hammer of the Year award in his first season, but he is arguably playing his best football under Moyes.
The Englishman enjoyed a superb 2020/21 season, picking up eight Premier League assists. And he has carried that form into the current campaign with three assists in four Europa League appearances.
A recent injury saw him miss seven games through injury, in which time West Ham only managed one clean-sheet.
He in a 2-0 win against Norwich upon his return. But the left-back endured a miserable afternoon against Leeds as David Moyes’ side suffered their first loss of 2022.
The former Liverpool academy player is a consistent performer in the current setup, but he will need back-up. Especially as he gets older and West Ham feature in more competitions, with injuries becoming a more likely occurence.
Masuaku is better suited as a wing-back
Signed by Slaven Bilic to provide cover for Cresswell in 2016, Masuaku has divided opinion in a claret and blue shirt. Loved for his skills and attacking threat from a full-back position, it’s the defending side of the game where he has been exposed in the past.
The 28-year-old was deployed at left-back while Cresswell was injured over the festive period. The Hammers conceded 11 goals in seven games with Masuaku playing left-back, while they only conceded 16 in the first 13 of the season.
West Ham are blessed with depth in attacking positions. However, Moyes will need to add some to the left-back position if they are to progress further.