David Moyes was pro-active in the January transfer window, the first opportunity for him to improve on his squad since taking over West Ham United a couple of months ago. They landed a couple of exciting stars before the deadline day but they seemed to have missed out on a few other stars late in the window.
One such player, who has now spoken about the failed move to London is young Leander Dendoncker.
The Hammers were interested in the services of the 22-year old at the start of the month but waited until the deadline day to propose an offer. Reports claim that the English outfit were offering just around £13m for his services, that in instalments, with the first one at just £4.4. Anderlecht were reportedly holding on to a price of €20m and the move failed to materialize.
And the youngster has now spoken in the open and revealed that a move to West Ham would have a been the right step ahead in his career. His contract in Belgium runs till 2021 but should the Hammers go back for him in the summer?
A product of the academy at Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, Dendoncker broke into the first team at Anderlecht in 2013 as a teenager and took his time to establish himself in the senior side. He is now the first choice midfielder for the side, making 22 league appearances but his most impressive performances this season came in the Champions League, where he started all six group games.
A defensive midfielder, who can also play as a CB or in an attacking role, Dendoncker is a versatile midfielder, with gifted technique and a great understanding of the game. Strong in the air and in hold up play, he is hard to beat in the midfield and is adept at providing cover for his backline, frustrating even the best of the teams in Europe.
He is a stubborn player, who puts in the hard yards in but what makes him all the more dangerous is his ability to dictate play from a deeper role. He can create chances with through balls and long balls but can shut shop when needed and will fit well into the system at London Stadium.
Pedro Obiang remains the best option for Moyes in the midfield and he added Joao Mario, who is in his first season in England. Mark Noble and Chiekhou Kouyate are only backups and West Ham need star players who can walk into the first team and challenge for their place, for years to come.
Dendoncker, who is still 22, is a great option in this role and his potential is something Moyes should not miss out on in the summer.
