If you’re looking for an example of how to mismanage a club, look no further than West Ham United. Broken promises, subpar players signed and the club struggling in the bottom half of the table; it has been anything but smooth sailing for the Hammers this season. Things could yet become worse.
Surviving will be David Moyes’ biggest challenge but even if they manage that, it doesn’t guarantee things will be better next season. In fact, West Ham don’t have all that bad a team if you compare their squad to the likes of Newcastle United or even Burnley. They simply haven’t been managed well.
The last two games have brought 4 points against Southampton and Chelsea. So clearly, they have a few talented players. But will they stay on if the East Londoners manage a lowly finish in the league? Here’s a look at three players West Ham United will find hard to retain regardless of what happens in the coming few weeks or so…
#3 Marko Arnautovic
The Hammers paid a record fee for the Austrian last summer but that doesn’t mean he’ll be at the club next season. He has finally managed to find a bit more consistency in his game and when he does that, he is a top player who can get into a lot of teams.
A versatile attacker, Arnautovic has a brilliant technique and he has shown that this season with some well-taken goals. Having mustered nine goals and four assists this season, few of the bigger clubs could be interested in his services.
He is 28 and isn’t getting any younger, so should there be a good offer on the table, he might consider his future at a club that seems to be going nowhere.
#2 Javier Hernandez
Another player who has taken a step back in his career; I’m sorry but that’s how it is at West Ham United at the moment. Hernandez went from playing Champions League football to a club who are scrapping it out at the bottom half of the table.
Like Arnautovic, Hernandez was signed by the Hammers to help the team challenge for the European places, but it has gone horribly wrong. Hernandez has often lacked support which explains his average return for the side.
The Mexican is a good penalty box player and needs better players around him to bring out the best of his abilities.
#1 Manuel Lanzini
The Argentine has already been mooted to leave the club soon and it could happen in the coming summer. He burst on to the scene under former manager Slaven Bilic and along with Dimitri Payet, he played some good football that didn’t go unnoticed.
A good passer of the ball, Lanzini has the trickery up his sleeve to create openings up front and like the aforementioned players, he’d do even better with good players around him.
Earlier this year, he was linked with a move to Liverpool and the Reds could make a move for him come summer.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
