West Ham United have had a decent start to the season, but Manuel Pellegrini received a crushing blow right before the international break as his side succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace. The story and pattern look all too similar for the Hammers faithful as they take one step forward and two steps back every game week.
The board has backed the Chilean manager heavily in the last few transfer windows, and the club management and fans would like to see them emerge as a top-six contender. However, one area where the club might have to add reinforcements soon is in midfield.
Pellegrini brought in Carlos Sanchez and Jack Wilshere to add more reinforcements in the middle. However, both of them seem past their prime and injuries have troubled them as well. West Ham still relies heavily on the 32-year-old Mark Noble in midfield. He hasn’t done too poorly, but the club should be on the lookout for a more plausible and long-term option. The Hammers should consider making a move for Uruguayan international Nahitan Nandez.
The 23-year-old moved to Serie A outfit Cagliari this summer from Argentinian heavyweights Boca Juniors. The midfielder has started the season well as he has three assists in 7 appearances in the Serie A. Nandez managed to catch the eye at the 2018 World Cup where he was a regular for South American heavyweights Uruguay. At the age of 23, he has appeared 29 times for the national team.
Nandez’s strengths
Nandez’s significant assets are his perseverance and tenacity, but he can produce quality on the ball as well. The midfielder’s link-up is also top-notch, and he would be a perfect fit to play in the Premier League. Uruguayan players are known for their doggedness and commitment, and Nandez can quickly become the engine room of this Hammers lineup.
However, he is more than just a midfield disruptor as he can open up the opposition defence as well. Moreover, he is versatile enough to play in different roles in the middle; as a defensive midfielder or in a box to box role and even as a wide midfielder.
The Uruguayan hasn’t played much in the top leagues, but he has shown enough evidence that he can be a perfect fit in the Premier League. At just 23, he is yet to hit his peak. But United should be all over him by next summer as he can be a perfect long term replacement for club captain Mark Noble.
