03 Aug 2023 16:34:53
From a playing staff perspecive. Our weakset link in the chain is unfortunately Soucek. I have HUGE respect for Soucek, great guy and has performed well for us when needed, but if we want to play good football he cannot be our box to box CM. He could move to CDM but even there his ball carrying and passing is not up at the level it needs to be for us to play the style we want at this level. So he can only at best be a backup.
We need a midfield that provides balance and can shield the defence as well as Rice and Soucek did BUT also can link well with Paqueta Bowen and Benrahma. A CDM and a CM are essential. Soucek's poor ability in possession inhibits them unfortunately, and it is evident in our lack of goals.
CDM - Edson Alvarez is my #1 choice of the players that we have been linked with. The Fulham guy does not fit the mold and is WAY over-priced IMO. Other options could be Ibrahim Sangare or Mats Wieffer maybe. Amrabat would be incredible, but he won't come (unless his international teamate Aguerd can convince him maybe?)
CM - Ward-Prowse is a good option here if we get him for the right price, he is an upgrade on Soucek and CANNOT be considered to replace Rice, he is not a CDM. He is better on the ball than Soucek and still contributes well to interceptions and tackles etc and rarely misses a gain from injury. I would also love Yous Fofana in this role alongside the CDM, and Conor Gallagher could also be an option but i think too expensive.

1.) 03 Aug 2023
03 Aug 2023 18:04:27
Couldn't have put it better, thanks NIckinho

2.) 03 Aug 2023
03 Aug 2023 18:23:16
If Tim Steidten does get more of a say, perhaps Moyes will feel undermined and walk. Silver lining time perhaps.

{Ed001's Note - it was Moyes that wanted him. He wanted a recruitment specialist in his first stint at the Hammers, which was what led to him being replaced. Sullivan didn't want to give up control.}

3.) 03 Aug 2023
03 Aug 2023 19:13:27
Bet his regretting it now

4.) 03 Aug 2023
03 Aug 2023 19:17:25
Ed cheers - some previous posts have hinted the struggle is between Moyes and Tim. But I didn't have to swallow it verbatim without evidence.

5.) 04 Aug 2023
04 Aug 2023 13:35:22
I suggest you watch the YouTube vid of Claret and Booze entitled “Moyes Wants Revenge - He is Bigger Than West Ham”. Gary is not usually as outspoken as this, so well worth a watch.

6.) 05 Aug 2023
05 Aug 2023 01:45:59
Tim is now winning.Davy to walk.