In a recent report from Football.London, it was mentioned that several West Ham United players will be out of contract at the end of this season. It is understood that Aaron Cresswell is included among the list of players who could transfer for free next summer. The English fullback is a key player for Hammers, so it could be a matter of concern if David Moyes doesn’t act quickly.
Cresswell’s Run Of Form For West Ham United
Cresswell fared well at the end of his previous campaign after he put in some influential displays being a regular starter at the left-back position for the Hammers. He managed to score two goals and create six assists over 41 appearances across all fronts. However, he hasn’t registered a single goal or assists this season after appearing for six matches so far.
The Liverpool-born sensation has been a consistent performer in the left flank after averaging 0.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 2.1 clearances per game in the 2021/22 campaign of the Premier League. He has done well to distribute the ball after completing 78.9% of his attempted passes in the English top flight (stats via whoscored).
What Should Be Moyes’ Play Here?
Cresswell is a solid player at the backline; he can clear his lines when he senses danger from the opposition and has the ability to make a few decent runs down the left flank to stretch the opposition defence. Furthermore, he excels at holding on to the ball and distributing it efficiently being able to play his way out from the back.
However, at the age of 32, it is undoubtedly questionable if he can keep up with the same level of performance. However, Moyes had taken this into consideration and brought in Emerson Palmieri to replace him in the foreseeable future. The 28-year-old Italian left-back hasn’t earned a starting position with Cresswell still being featured regularly in that position.
It would be wise of Moyes to provide Cresswell with a contract renewal to make use of his services for another year until Palmieri eases into the playing XI and the East London club rely on him from the left flank. It goes without saying that the Hammer’s boss would certainly need to find more reinforcements in the next transfer window, possibly a young prospect to grow and provide cover for the wing-back positions or injury concerns might deal a huge blow to the poor performances that have pummeled them into the relegation places.
