Will Vlasic Make No 11 His Own?

New Hammers signing Nikola Vlasic will wear number 11 for the club, the squad number previously held by Jesse Lingard. Much was made of Hammers interest in bringing in Lingard back to the London Dome following his incredibly successful loan spell during the 2nd half of last season, unfortunately Jesse elected to try and regain his place in the Manchester United team he had been excluded from for the last couple of years.

An admirable attempt, one which fans would expect of any player who has substance and loyalty, however his decision to stay at Old Trafford meant that David Moyes had to move on, and quickly in order to firm up the acquisition of a player with similar qualities.

To that purpose Moyes turned to his plan B, which was Vlasic who he had been monitoring for several months, his signing indicating the probable shift in emphasis the Hammers manager has made regarding the reliance on using just one striker. Even if Michail Antonio doesn't pick up his usual hamstring injury, Moyes has set up his team to deploy a 'multitudinous' strike force that contains several players capable of scoring, particularly on the break.

Opposing teams are terrified of the lightning fast counter attacks that have become part of Hammers game plan, it is very difficult to defend against a three pronged attack, however that attack depends on strength, speed and guile. Vlasic has been brought in to provide the missing 'Lingard element', and although they have entirely different playing styles the end result is often the same.

Jesse Lingard arrived with a point to prove, and Boy did he prove it, Vlasic arrives with a point to prove as well, with Big Sam Allardyce being one of the people he wants to make eat their own words. If Nikola Vlasic does hit the ground running and proves to be a success, then David Moyes might not revisit signing Jesse Lingard until he is available on a free transfer next June.

Moyes would then be able to focus on bringing in a striker in the January window IF there is a need, which there more than certainly will be. The squad Moyes has assembled is superb, getting better and better as time moves on, it is still painfully lacking in depth considering the club's commitments this season, but this will be the last season where Moyes is operating with one hand tied behind his back due to the massive wages of some players incurred before his permanent tenure began.

Moyes has already exceeded most fans expectations, it will be interesting to see how his team progresses as they are released from the shackles enforced on them by previous recruiting errors. There were quite a few fans fearful of the club being involved in a relegation fight, and while that could still happen it is very unlikely given the way the team has started the season.

All eyes will be on Vlasic as he is 'eased' into the first team, some say none will be scrutinisng the player's performances more than a certain Mr Lingard. LN