In a recent report, The Daily Mail claimed that West Ham United are monitoring the progress of Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark. It has been revealed that the Hammers have identified the German centre-back as a potential option ahead of the January transfer window.
Stark’s Impressive Run Of Form In German Football
Stark has been a regular feature at the heart of Hertha Berlin’s backline and deserves some credit for producing some dominant displays in German football. The 26-year-old has made 11 appearances for the German club this season, receiving a total of 990 minutes of playing time across all competitions.
The talented defensive ace has proven himself to be a rock at the back for the Berlin outfit as he is averaging 1.0 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 6.1 clearances per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga. He has even been excellent when distributing possession from inside his half based on his pass success rate of 84% in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency: Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.de/)
Imago Images (https://www.imago-images.de/)
What Will Stark Add To West Ham United Head Coach David Moyes’ Team?
Stark is a solid tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to earn the ball back for his side. He has good defensive awareness and usually clears the danger when at risk of being exposed inside his half. The German centre-half is a decent passer of the ball and can use his robust 1.90m frame to dominate the aerial battle on the defensive end of the field.
A defender of Stark’s skillset will undoubtedly add more bite and steel to the Hammers backline. He is good enough to fight for a regular starting place in David Moyes‘ first team at the London Stadium. At 26, the German is currently enjoying the prime stage of his playing career which means that West Ham can expect to make the most out of his services.
Stark could help the East London outfit sustain their push for a top-four spot in the Premier League this season. Thus, Moyes would be wise to engineer a move to bring him to the English capital when the transfer window commences at the start of next year.
