In a recent interview with Football Insider, ex-Leeds United forward Noel Whelan has urged West Ham United to land Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall. Whelan said,
“I think David Moyes sees the honesty in these players in the Championship. I think that’s the biggest word. There are no big heads, they’re hard workers, they graft, they’re solid.
“He makes them better players when he brings them into the club. It’s all about their character. He’s not going for these big-name signings, the ones that might bring a little bit of baggage and a little bit of attitude with them.
“He’s going out there and getting solid players, solid characters and personalities. I think that is what is massive.
“The centre-half, Worrall, has been a very good centre-half for Nottingham Forest for years now. He’s been a standout there and I’m surprised that he’s been there so long, quite frankly.
“We know West Ham need little bit more centre-half cover if they’re going to be in Europe again. It looks like they are. They’re going to need these players.”
Worrall’s Impressive Season In English Football
Worrall is having a fine season at the City Ground where he has put in a run of consistent displays over the past ten months. The Nottingham-born talent has made 33 appearances for his current club during this campaign, scoring one goal and providing one assist in multiple competitions.
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The 25-year-old has proven his worth as a solid presence at the back by averaging 1.8 tackles, 2.0 interceptions, 3.3 clearances, 0.6 shots and 0.6 dribbles per game in the EFL Championship. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from the back after making 77.2% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Is Worrall The Right Choice For West Ham United?
Worrall doesn’t shy away from making a tackle and can earn possession back for his team on the defensive third of the pitch. He can sense the danger quickly and is not afraid to put his foot through the ball when needed.
Plus, the English sensation is proficient at playing his way out from the back. Thus, Worrall will fit into West Ham‘s playing style quite well as long as he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League.
At 25, the Nottingham star is about to enter his prime which makes him a decent choice for the Hammers to consider in the summer. We can expect Worrall to add more bite and steel to David Moyes‘ defensive department at the London Stadium if West Ham can get a deal done for him.
