Big Alvarez upgrade: West Ham could sign "unusual" England star for free

[ad_1] West Ham have struggled to seek out consistency below Julen Lopetegui this season, after spending round £120m in the summertime window, bringing ten new gamers into the squad, and likewise making an attempt to implement a wholly new system.

One key space for concern has been midfield, with this challenge stretching again to the 2023 summer season when Declan Rice left the membership. Since then, West Ham have been unable to seek out the proper steadiness wanted in the course of the park.

A scarcity of mobility has been pinpointed as a trigger for concern, particularly given how Lopetegui likes to arrange, which may make a January transfer for a sure particular person much more interesting.

West Ham should revisit curiosity in England worldwide Forward of Julen Lopetegui becoming a member of the Irons final summer season, reviews emerged suggesting that one of many first gamers he may signal was Lille midfielder Angel Gomes.

Now, with simply six months left on his take care of les Dogues, they need to revisit a transfer for the England worldwide. Gomes is now free to agree a pre-contract with a overseas membership, which may additionally tempt Lille right into a January sale to extract a payment for the participant.

He has made 15 appearances up to now this season in all competitions, scoring one objective, offering one help and totalling 885 minutes. The 24-year-old has additionally earned his first England senior caps this season, now taking part in 4 instances for his nation.

Lee Carsley launched Gomes into the England set-up, having labored carefully with him at youth stage for England. Coming into the worldwide scene, Sky Sports activities reporter Rob Dorsett described the midfielder as a "little bit totally different" and just a little bit "uncommon" as a result of position he performs and the way it has remodeled over his quick profession up to now.

Your adjustments have been saved

Switch Focus

Mega cash offers, controversial strikes and big-name flops. That is the house of switch information and opinion throughout Soccer FanCast.

How Edson Alvarez compares to Angel Gomes Edson Alvarez was signed for West Ham in the summertime 2023 switch window, with the view of changing Rice, becoming a member of from Ajax for a payment of round £35.4m.

The Mexican has made 59 appearances since becoming a member of the Hammers, scoring two objectives, offering two assists and totalling 4,178 minutes.

However as beforehand talked about, an absence of mobility is a matter in West Ham's midfield, normally consisting of Alvarez alongside the likes of Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez. Gomes, regardless of being simply 5 foot 6 in stature, provides dynamism in midfield the opposite choices don't, with the capability to cowl floor and minimize issues out utilizing his excessive recreation intelligence.

Edson Alvarez vs Angel Gomes comparability

Stats (per 90 minutes)

Alvarez

Gomes

Objectives + Assists

0.00

0.30

Progressive Carries

1.12

1.65

Progressive Passes

4.39

4.81

Key Passes

0.71

1.65

Passes into Pen Space

0.82

1.65

Tackles

2.14

1.01

Blocks

1.22

0.13

Interceptions

1.15

0.40

Ball Recoveries

5.20

2.03

Stats taken from FBref

You possibly can see when evaluating the 2 of their underlying numbers this season that Alvarez nonetheless brings good defensive numbers to the facet, averaging 2.14 tackles, 1.22 blocks and 1.15 interceptions per 90, alongside 5.20 ball recoveries per 90.

But when they need to proceed with this new system carried out by Lopetegui, seeking to be extra aggressive and play increased up, mobility and floor protecting are key qualities lacking.

Gomes, regardless of providing few defensive actions, nonetheless makes 2.03 ball recoveries per 90, and is a key determine in deep build-up, linking the defensive and attacking traces, progressing play with a mix of carrying and passing potential, and importantly controlling the tempo for his facet.

Whether or not the Hammers resolve to attempt to agree a pre-contract deal to amass Gomes on a free, or in the event that they take a look at the waters in January with a low-ball supply to Lille, his profile will surely be extraordinarily invaluable to Lopetegui in midfield and will assist him flip the tides for West Ham.