since Graham Potter took over West HamThey have played three times, conceding twice in all three matches, despite a positive shift in their style of play out of possession.
Under Julen Lopetegui, the Hammers often found themselves in large gaps between their defensive line and their attacking line when pressing, with the midfield often deciding to sit in deeper areas due to their lack of athleticism.
Potter clearly encouraged his team to apply man-to-man pressing when pressing in opposition goal kick scenarios, which requires extra movement in the middle of the pitch, in order to press effectively and cover ground.
So, West Ham have been linked with a number of midfielders this month, and one man in particular could be the perfect addition to Potter's system in more ways than one.
West Ham is looking for a French League star
according to A “senior” source for the club via Hammers NewsWest Ham have held talks with the representatives of Lille midfielder Angel Gomez, who could be prepared for a battle to sign the England midfielder.
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Tottenham are also said to be interested in the 24-year-old, with both clubs looking at options for the midfielder who is out of contract in the summer. However, it is the irons that really “push” to get the deal done.
Given that his contract expires in a few months, this would allow teams to sign Gomez on a pre-contract this month in exchange for a free transfer in the summer, but it could also open the door for Lille to accept a fee for him now, in order to extract a fee from the player rather than lose him on a free in six months. .
Gomez has He participated in 16 matches with the French team this seasonHe scored one goal, provided one assist, and has played a total of 907 minutes so far.
How does Gomez compare to Panzozzi?
Another midfielder is Linked with a move to West Ham He is Ezekiel Panzozzi from OH Leuven. I have He participated in 21 matches this season in the Belgian Professional Leaguescoring one goal and providing five assists but it's clear to see who would be the best signing for Potter and Co.
The 19-year-old, a 6-foot-3 midfielder, has the extra mobility and physical attributes needed to improve West Ham's midfield, but with a lack of experience, the youngster is likely to take some time to adapt. Maybe making a few mistakes along the way while getting used to the pace and rhythm of the league.
As a result, Gomez would be the Hammers' best addition here and now. Here's how the duo compares.
|
Angel Gomez vs. Edson Alvarez |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90 minutes) |
Gomez |
Alvarez |
|
Helps |
0.3 |
0.0 |
|
Passes attempted |
59.3 |
48.6 |
|
Passing accuracy % |
91.34% |
86.73% |
|
Long passes completed |
4.00 |
2.00 |
|
Through the balls |
0.4 |
0.3 |
|
Completed passes (own half) |
24.9 |
24.0 |
|
He won duels |
3.2 |
5.7 |
|
Ground duel success % |
53.16% |
51.43% |
|
Retrieve the ball |
4.4 |
5.2 |
|
Statistics taken from Skooka |
||
Gomez will still have the mobility required in midfield, but he is an effective duel winner too, still winning 3.2 per 90, while winning 53.16% of his ground duels and recovering 4.4 balls per game.
Ball recovery is determined by the number of loose balls a player recovers.
But he will also bring a controlling personality into Potter's midfield, where he will be a key player in the build-up, dropping down to make long passes, distribute play and provide line-breaking passes.
Since the coach took over at the London Stadium, the team have seemed more direct in their approach, and perhaps they have realized that they do not have the quality in midfield to receive the ball in tight spaces and play across the lines with more control. An addition like Gomez will allow this, because “busy“Nature, always looking to pass and move, as Roy Keane described it.
If West Ham can sign both Panzozzi and Gomez, they will add a marker who can control the tempo of the game, while adding mobility in midfield, along with a promising young and athletic figure in Panzozzi, who will go a long way in improving the Hammers' ability to cover ground. In the central areas.
However, it's “special” Gomez – It was also called by French manager Jocelin Jourvenec – Who will be included in the starting lineup immediately?
