Football's a funny old game full of weird anomalies and co-incidences, none more so than at West Ham United! Having spent big on centre back Nayef Aguerd, Hammers boss David Moyes was forced into a rethink following Aguerd's long term injury picked up on his debut against Rangers in a pre-season friendly. Just when Moyes thought things couldn't get any worse, stalwart Craig Dawson not only picked up an injury but also requested a transfer to the north east due to family reasons.
Having navigated the centre back issue Moyes thought he might be free to concentrate on actually winning games, but then the undealt with elephant in the room reared it's ugly head again, left back! Aaron Cresswell has needed competition and back up as the club's ONLY real left back, a situation that was made even worse by the departure of Authur Masuaku on loan.
Ben Johnson has continued to highlight his usefulness and adaptability by playing at left back when required, although a right back by trade he has also already had to fill in as centre back this season as well as being cover for the right back berth.
Unfortunately Ben's hamstring injury picked up in the 1-1 draw against Tottingham means he will be unavailable for several weeks meaning there is a desperate need for reinforcements, step forward young Harrison Ashby. The Scottish U-21 star nearly moved to freshly minted Newcastle on deadline day but was retained at the eleventh hour. Ashby's contract issues won't go away so there needs to be some very clear thinking from the club about their next step with regards to a player who WILL go far.
Normally Harrison Ashby would have been able to step into the injured Johnson's position at right back, but Vladimir Coufal, although nowhere near as good as he was pre-injury, will be at right back meaning Ashby would have to deputise at left back should Cresswell become unavailable, well you guessed it. Aaron Cresswell is highly unlikely to be fit for the crucial derby against Chelsea in this afternoon's rearranged fixture having left the field with 20 minutes remaining last Wednesday evening which has left Moyes with a big big problem, who plays at left back?
New signing Emerson Palmieri could well make his debut on his return to his previous club, that would leave Ashby as a 'floater' to cover both right AND left back positions should the inevitable injury occur, not ideal but at least it could give Ashby some valuable time against high quality opposition, he will also get plenty of opportunities against European opponents during the club's Conference Cup games.
Games like the one against Chelsea should convince Ashby that West Ham ARE the club he should be staying at, as opposed to Chelsea who let him leave. - Ed
