Hammers Already Have The Defensive Back Up For Declan Rice-Not Sanchez

Although pre-season games don't always give a true picture of how a team will be prepared to start the new season, one glaringly obvious fact has emerged, namely Hammers are woefully short of defensive midfielder, a situation made more pronounced by the imminent departure of Pedro Obiang from the London Stadium. Declan Rice is the number one choice, but with Obiang gone the only recognised first team player is Carlos Sanchez who's woeful performances have been truly lamentable.

If Sanchez is Declan's only back up the club is in serious trouble, however the club have a young, fit, ready made replacement in the form of Reece Oxford. Irrespective of what has gone on in the past regarding attitude, surely Oxford is a better proposition than Sanchez, just examine the facts. If only Oxford were able to lose his 'Ravel Morrison' billy big bollocks affliction he could be a wonderful back up to Rice but also fill in as a centre back because there must be serious doubts as to whether Winston Reid will ever be able to play more than a 'bit part' in the squad.

Football is littered with examples of players being thrust in to a team because of injuries or in West Ham United's case when the club have run out of money, recent talk of Oxford leaving has quietened down and he is playing with the Under 23's, so who knows? Perhaps Pelle is willing to give Oxford another shot and perhaps Oxford might just be starting to grow up. - Ed

Comments

Cb and cdm back up

Winston Reid would be my 3rd choice cb, I really don't trust ogbonna with var comming in this year. Reid might have had a really bad injury and some niggles previously but was our best defender for a No. Of years so I wouldn't write him off yet. With him not being constantly rushed back because we are desperately needing him and balbuena/diop starting most games hopefully he can stay fit for the majority of the season.
As for cdm I'd play Coventry over Sanchez or even give Johnson the odd game there if we pick up some injuries, looks to have all the right traits for the position imo. Oxford would get nowhere near the squad for me. Not because of his poor attitude, but because i don't think he is anywhere near good enough. I've seen him have 1 half decent game against arsenal where 'he kept ozil in his pocket' ..... but did he really? It's not like ozil ever goes missing in games. When he was on loan in the championship he couldn't buy a game, then went to Germany for a couple of loans where he finnaly got a few. I remember hearing about a lot of cricket scores in the games he did play but never any stand out performances. Massively over hyped and we should have cashed in years ago, I'd take a mill now just so I dont have to hear about all his great very hidden talent anymore. Sorry if it got a bit ranty but I'm hot and tired lol.

I tend to agree with that

All the hype & valuation regarding Oxford but where's the real evidence,I don't read the top teams are after him now even at a snippet of the prices that were bounded about a few years back

agree with you both

In Pel we trust... until he plays Sanchez

i still think

El Pel will get Medel in before window shuts but for me its the striker situation that has me worried Haller will be the number one obviously but if he's rested or god forbid injured what are we going to do for goals? Chicarito cannot lead a front line Antonio is not a striker and unless we sell him that leaves us with Hugill or the Lad Silva yet we hear El Pel is happy with the squad goals could be a problem this season but 2 weeks still to go so lets see i guess