Stay or Go? Deciding Which Players West Ham Should Keep & Offload This Summer
Things got a bit hairy for West Ham during the 2019/20 season, but relegation was eventually staved off thanks to Michail Antonio going a bit goal mad post-lockdown.
Prior to that, David Moyes had really struggled to turn things around after Manuel Pellegrini had left him a rather sticky pile of dung. But the Scotsman managed to find the winning formula, securing not only the club's top flight status, but probably their future too - given the financial disaster that awaited had the club gone down.
The question is, what to do with the playing squad of last year? Who should stay, who should go? Here's 90min's thoughts on the matter.
1. Goalkeepers
Lukasz Fabianski (STAY) - Not at his best last season, but the Pole wins West Ham far more points than he loses them. Undisputed number one.
Darren Randolph (STAY) - Seems a bit of waste of Randolph's talents to be sitting on the bench week after week. A more than capable understudy.
Roberto (GO) - From capable to completely incapable. Okay, so that's a bit generous. Let's hope someone comes to get him permanently. Please?
David Martin (STAY) - A solid enough third option, which is a necessity at the top level these days.
2. Full Backs
Ryan Fredericks (STAY) - May find his starting spot under threat next season after the emergence of Ben Johnson. Must improve his positioning defensively and be more consistent with his delivery.
Ben Johnson (STAY) - A real bright spark after the surprise departure of Jeremy Ngakia to, erm, Watford (who knows why). Looks to have a great understanding of the game and still has Marcus Rashford in his pocket following an impressive display against Manchester United.
Aaron Cresswell (STAY) - Still the best option the club have, but another who must lose the lapses in concentration.
Arthur Masuaku (GO) - Too many of the aforementioned lapses in concentration should mean it's go time for Masuaku. He can be exciting at watch, but gives you far too many heart attack moments.
3. Central Defenders
Issa Diop (STAY) - Still improving and still on the radar of many top clubs. Not the finished article yet, and should stick around to keep getting better in the east end.
Angelo Ogbonna (STAY) - Was outstanding last season. A real leader in central defence, Ogbonna's experience is key to getting the best out of Diop.
Fabian Balbuena (GO) - Known as 'the General', it's probably time to give the Paraguayan his marching orders. Looked woefully out of sorts in the 2019/20 campaign, and liabilities aren't good for anybody.
Goncalo Cardoso (STAY) - Young and unknown, there's no benefit to cutting him loose at this stage of his career. Stick around and see what happens.
4. Central Midfielders
Mark Noble (STAY) - Not the most mobile, but ever so efficient in the big games. Organises the team so well and remains key to West Ham pushing forward.
Declan Rice (STAY) - Absolutely cannot leave the club under any circumstances, despite interest from Chelsea. Is too good to stay, but won't get a regular run in the side at a bigger club just yet. One more year, smash Euro 2021 and then re-assess.
Tomáš Souček (STAY) - Pleasantly impressive at the back end of last season. The modern day Marouane Fellaini has a big role to play for West Ham during 2020/21.
Jack Wilshere (GO) - I would say more, but just strained a finger ligament writing this. Oh, the irony.
Robert Snodgrass (STAY) - Has one hell of an engine on him and leads by example when he plays. Shouldn't be a regular starter, but a key figure in the games that require a bit of grit and gusto.
Nathan Holland (STAY) - Might as well be given a go this season, or it's time to head for the exit door. Let's go with option one.
5. Attacking Midfielders
Felipe Anderson (GO) - For somebody who cost £35m, he really doesn't do an awful lot. The club will make a huge loss but getting him off the wage of the bill seems like the smartest move to make now.
Manuel Lanzini (STAY) - Hasn't been the same player since returning from the serious injury he suffered prior to the 2018 World Cup. Should get one more season to show he's still got it, but there have been worrying signs of decline.
Pablo Fornals (STAY) - A decent enough first year for the Spaniard last time out. A willing runner who may hit the ground running next season. Hopefully.
Jarrod Bowen (STAY) - Stepped up from Championship level in January and hasn't looked out of place. Did score just the once, but his contributions on the right side helped the club stay up.
Grady Diangana (STAY) - Was very good for West Brom last season, helping the Baggies earn Premier League promotion. Has definitely got something about him, and a bit of 'wow factor' shouldn't be scoffed at.
Andriy Yarmolenko (GO) - Scored some important end of season goals for the Hammers, but isn't mobile enough to be a regular starter you would think. Struggles with injuries and gets paid lots of money, which is never a good combo.
6. Forwards
Sebastien Haller (STAY) - Looked like a lost puppy at times last season. Once he got a strike partner in Antonio, the Frenchman suddenly perked up and has the physical attributes to be a real menace to a number of Premier League defences.
Michail Antonio (STAY) - Was startling good after being released from lockdown, finally cementing a place for himself up front. Has things to work on but as long as the goals keep coming, who bloody cares.
Jordan Hugill (GO) - Hasn't ever been given a sniff of a chance, and probably never will be. A permanent Championship move needs to materialise.
Xande Silva (STAY) - Has scored a lot of goals at Premier League 2 level, and now needs to be included in first team proceedings. Can't be any worse than Albian Ajeti, right?