Manuel Pellegrini
Midfielder Jack Wilshere has held talks with West Ham United over a possible move to East London this summer. The now-former Arsenal man is available for free, following the end of his contract with the Gunners.
In addition to that, the Hammers have also made a £20m bid for Portugal and Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes. However, the Portuguese club are looking for a fee of around £25m. Now, it is up to West Ham to increase the amount and get their target.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini is targeting technically gifted players to fit into his system and play an attractive brand of football. With Manuel Lanzini’s long-term injury arriving at the wrong time, the Chilean has to buy creative midfielders who can make the ball talk while in possession.
In Pellegrini’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, it is important for the central midfielders to have goal-creation qualities and tactical knowledge. His system is quite flexible, which often allows players to exchange positions according to the situation.
The thing about Wilshere is that he can play either as one of the central midfielders or as a No.10. Bruno Fernandes, however, thrives while playing behind the striker.
If the manager has fit both players in the starting XI, he must deploy the 4-2-3-1 setup with a triangle midfield. In this case, the Englishman can play in the midfield while the Portuguese could be deployed at the top of that triangle behind the striker. The formation will then more or less become 4-4-1-1.
Let us take a brief look at the best lineup Pellegrini can put out, fitting in the aforementioned players.
The Polish goalkeeper signed for the Hammers after enduring relegation with Swansea City last season. He is a fantastic shot-stopper and is capable of quality distribution with his feet. The 33-year-old maintained 9 clean sheets in 38 appearances in the previous campaign.
Having already played under Pellegrini before, Zabaleta could work wonders next season. The Argentine possesses tenacity, crossing ability and a never-say-die attitude.
The Hammers signed Diop from Toulouse and the 21-year-old French centre-back is destined for greatness. He could truly profit from working under a manager like Pellegrini. He will bring some much-needed defensive solidity to the table.
He has been one of the most consistent performers at the back for West Ham in the past season or two. The Italian is quite aggressive and he will bring a considerable threat from set-pieces.
Having played as one of the three centre-backs last season, Cresswell should be shifted to his preferred left-back position. He has a sweet left foot in terms of crossing and dead-ball striking.
Obiang is one of the most underrated players in the West Ham squad. His simplicity on the ball and physical domination in the midfield will be crucial for Pellegrini.
The former Arsenal man can play in a midfield pivot with the freedom to move forward with the ball. He is the kind of creative gem West Ham would crave for in tight situations. Injuries aside, Wilshere is probably one of the best ball-playing midfielders in England.
The Portuguese can be deployed as a No.10 in a triangle midfield. Fernandes is tactically proficient which will enable him to link up play neatly. Wilshere’s presence will help him two-fold in creating spaces.
Arnautovic performed impeccably for West Ham last season, even playing as a striker and impacting games. His natural position is left-wing and will continue to play there under Pellegrini.
Antonio is blessed with raw pace, physical strength and ball carrying abilities. He should be deployed on the right-wing and that will allow him to run past defenders and supply some devilish crosses into the box. Antonio is a major threat from set-pieces as well.
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Despite not playing regularly last season, Hernandez is a goal-scoring threat. He is not a physical centre-forward but he has the propensity to score goals from any angle.
