Joe Worrall of Nottingham Forest reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Nottingham Forest at Ewood Park on October 01, 2019 in Blackburn, England. (Getty Images)
According to a report from Football Insider (h/t Football London), West Ham United are interested in Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall.
The 23-year-old centre-back has turned heads with his rock-solid displays in defence for the Championship outfit. Worrall’s inspiring displays at the back has seen Forest climb to fifth spot in the league this season.
The 6ft 4in centre-back has helped his team to 13 clean sheets from 37 league games. One of the first names in the teamsheet, Worrall has played a key role in helping his side gain a play-off spot this season.
Forest are currently fifth in the league, thanks to a strong defence that has conceded just 38 league goals. Worrall’s eye-catching displays at the club have not gone unnoticed with Premier League side West Ham keen to grab his signature (h/t Football London).
Meanwhile, David Moyes’ Hammers are currently fighting for their survival in the league. They are just two places adrift of the relegation zone. A weak and inconsistent defence has seen West Ham slip to 16th in the league standings and concede 50 goals from 29 league games.
That said, Hammers coach Moyes needs to bring in new defensive reinforcements to better his side’s displays next season. Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop remain the club’s first-choice centre-back pairing. However, Ogbonna will turn 32 this May and seems to be slowing down.
Meanwhile, Diop’s future at London Stadium remains uncertain with many Premier League sides hot on trail of the Frenchman. Meanwhile, the Hammers’ remaining centre-backs Fabian Balbuena and Goncalo Cardoso are clearly not Moyes’ favourites, having hardly been used.
Balbuena has made just 13 league appearances this season while teenager Cardoso, who arrived last summer is yet to feature for the senior side. Thus, it is clear that Hammers need another established centre-back in their ranks.
In Worrall, Moyes will have a reliable and consistent centre-back. The defender played for Scottish side Rangers on loan last season and impressed heavily, appearing 42 times across all competitions last year.
A Forest academy graduate, Worrall had already made his Championship debut back in 2016-17, making 21 league appearances that season. Having proved his credentials at such a young age itself, there is no denying Worrall’s talent.
Since then, he has established himself as one of the side’s most crucial players, appearing 95 times for them overall. Hence, roping in the towering defender would help address West Ham’s issues at the back next season at least.
With Diop’s future remaining uncertain and Ogbonna not getting any younger, West Ham need an established defender like Worrall. Moreover, he is young and can develop even better under Moyes’ guidance if a deal occurs. Worrall, if he is able to carry forward his current form, would offer consistency. And that is exactly what West Ham’s weak defence needs at the moment.
