da 888casino： Over many years, fans have questioned the transfer activity of West Ham United.
da doce： Why are we selling him? Why have we brought him? And what on earth was he thinking of are the main questions being asked by fellow Hammers.
This year has seen a dramatic change, and is early signs that both David Gold and David Sullivan are planning well ahead of schedule for when they move into the Olympic stadium for the 2016/2017 season.
With a plethora of players on the books at Upton Park, just what is West Ham’s best starting XI? Here’s what it ‘could’ be…
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Click on Sam Allardyce to reveal
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Adrian
Age: 27
Nationality: Spain
Reason for selection:
Signed from Real Betis on a free transfer last season, the Spaniard was an understudy to Jussi Jaaskelainen for the best part of the 2013/2014 campaign. However, a few decent performances in the Capital One Cup, guiding them to the semi-final, saw Adrian overtake the former Bolton shot stopper, and steered West Ham away from relegation.
Adrian is one of the best shot stopper’s in the division, and his quick distribution when the ball is in his clutches is exceptional. You only have to look at the 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge, where Adrian was a frustration for Chelsea, and on any other day, Jose Mourinho’s side could have easily put six or seven past.
Carl Jenkinson
Age: 22
Nationality: England
Reason for selection:
On loan from Arsenal, the former Charlton Athletic prodigy hasn’t made a first team appearance for the Boleyn Ground outfit because of a hamstring injury he sustained on West Ham’s pre-season tour of Germany. Still highly rated at the Gunners, Jenkinson is a young and hungry full back that has bags of potential. If it wasn’t for Arsenal signing both Debuchy and Chambers, then Jenkinson would still be in Wenger’s plans.
Jenkinson offers an attacking quality with a different position, something West Ham have not had for a while. With England struggling to fill the void at right back, this could be Jenkinson’s motivation to seal a place in Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions squad.
James Tomkins
Age: 25
Nationality: England
Reason for selection:
A youth product through the famous ‘Academy of Football’ with West Ham and was helped with the incredible guidance of Tony Carr, Tomkins is a quick and aggressive centre half, that is perfect for Premier League football. He has been an ever present in the Hammers first team for a solid five years, and tries to avoid occasional clumsy challenges like James Collins does.
Again, Tomkins should have the same motivation as Jenkinson and catch the eye of Hodgson, because it’s not exactly England are blessed with top quality centre half’s.
Winston Reid
Age: 26
Nationality: New Zealand
Reason for selection:
Now in his fifth season at Upton Park, Reid epitomises what most improved player means. After arriving from Danish outfit FC Midtjylland, Reid’s first season was difficult one, performing awfully on his debut against Aston Villa and only managing 12 appearances after that.
Now Reid is one of the first names on the team sheet. A full blooded, aggressive and extremely quick centre back, Reid is also captain of the New Zealand national side. It is baffling that a team like Arsenal has not signed him up yet.
Aaron Cresswell
Age: 24
Nationality: England
Reason for selection:
Recently signed from Championship side Ipswich Town, Cresswell is showing great promise in his first experience of Premier League football. Like Jenkinson, the former Tranmere Rovers full back is an attacking full back, and has more to offer than Joey O’Brien and Guy Demel.
His start in England’s top flight has been promising, with a stellar display on his debut against Tottenham Hotspur and helped West Ham to their first win of the season away at Crystal Palace.
Cheickhou Kouyate
Age: 24
Nationality: Senegal
Reason for selection:
On the basis of the start he has made, Kouyate could be one of the bargain buys of the season. At £7m from Belgian side Anderlecht, the Senegalese, who starred for his national side at the 2012 Olympics in London, has arguably been West Ham’s best player so far.
He has everything you want from a midfielder, pace, aggression, determination, imagination and flair, Kouyate could become the next Patrick Vieira. Kouyate, who can also play as a centre half, will be sought after if he carries on performing like this for the rest of the season.
Alex Song
Age: 27
Nationality: Cameroon
Reason for selection:
A rather surprising loan signing from Spanish giants, FC Barcelona, the applauds has to go to the owner pulling off this signing, even if it is only for a year. After being tracked by the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, Alex Song will be a huge presence in the West Ham camp.
With Mo Diame gone, Song is the ideal replacement. Aggressive and composed on the ball, Song in his prime, and what better way of reigniting his Premier League, than with a team he will play in on a consistent basis.
Mark Noble
Age: 27
Nationality: England
Reason for selection:
The centre midfielder is West Ham through and through and is exactly what the Hammers need in the heart of the midfield. Noble quite easily breaks play whenever needed and is a calming influence to the squad on and off the pitch. Noble constantly gives 100% everytime he pulls on a Hammers shirt and would make a difference to any Premier League side.
Making a total of 265 appearances and counting in his West Ham career, the Canning Town born midfield maestro has also represented England from U18-U21 level, and will surely propel west ham back up the table.
Stewart Downing
Age: 30
Nationality: England
Reason for selection:
Questions were asked when West Ham completed the £6m signing of Downing from Liverpool last season. However, on the basis of some of his performances, Downing has answered his critics. Whether its cutting in from the right or, flying down the left wing, the former Aston Villa man’s delivery of crosses and dead balls are very dangerous to the opposition.
The former Middlesbrough midfielder also brings a wealth of Premier League experience. If he carries on delivering them deadly balls, the the lack of goals that the Hammers have dealt with will be solved.
Mauro Zarate
Age: 27
Nationality: Argentina
Reason for selection:
Ever since the departure of Alessandro Diamanti, the creativity level at the Boleyn Ground has been low. However, Zarate, another summer signing from Velez Sarsfield, brings pace, skill and flair that almost replicates the attributes of a certain Carlos Tevez.
Playing for some of the best clubs around the world including Inter Milan and Lazio, Zarate had a brief spell in the Premier League with Gold and Sullivan’s former club Birmingham City. Hs successful stint triggered his move to the San Siro. On the basis of his goal earlier in the season against Crystal Palace, Zarate’s quality could be so valuable to Sam Allardyce.
Enner Valencia
Age: 25
Nationality: Ecuador
Reason for selection:
The striker, who scored a creditable three goals in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil including one against England in a friendly, is currently filling the void while Andy Carroll recovers from his latest setback.
The £12m signing is not a target man, but is quick off the mark, and in the box is unpredictable. With Big Sam’s orders to play attractive and flowing football, Valencia needs to be included in the team that worries the opposition with his sprint speed and eye for goal.