West Ham must swoop for on-loan Fulham defender Joachim Andersen
West Ham are reportedly keen on signing Joachim Andersen and the defender would be the perfect addition for David Moyes this summer.
The centre-back, who has impressed on loan at Fulham this season, was linked with a move to the London Stadium by The Mirror.
Fulham have struggled in the league but Andersen has stood out and his statistics suggest he would slot seamlessly into the Hammers back four.
There is a lot to like about Andersen. He is only 24 but has built up good experience with spells at Lyon, Sampdoria and Twente.
And the year he has spent at Fulham has provided him the perfect opportunity to adjust to the Premier League.
He would be able to hit the ground running with West Ham, and since Fabian Balbuena is likely to leave [Gazetta Dello Sport], signing Andersen makes perfect sense.
Former Iron Tony Gale is a massive fan of the Dane, describing him as a “leader” on Fulhamfc.com.
“It doesn’t seem fair to single any one player out for praise after a win like that, but Joachim Andersen was absolutely sensational,” Gale said after Fulham beat Liverpool.
He added, “I just think this lad really is top drawer. I know he’s only played 20-something games for us, but he’s been incredible in that time and a pivotal factor in our improvement in form.”
Andersen’s performance at Anfield was special with four interceptions, two tackles and six clearances, per SofaScore.
And it is that no-nonsense approach to getting rid of danger that will appeal to David Moyes.
Angelo Ogbonna, who has been our best defender this season, bases his game on keeping things simple at the back.
The Italian has averaged 4.1 clearances per game [WhoScored] and does the basics right to ensure mistakes are not made.
Andersen does the same and has made 5.1 clearances per game, with his 1.3 interceptions per 90 mins bettering that of Ogbonna, per WhoScored.
The two defenders could be a great pair and would provide great organisation along the backline.
Another impressive aspect of Andersen’s game is his ability on the ball.
At Anfield he gave the ball away just five times – a very good return against a high pressing Liverpool side.
Remarkably, his 81.2% pass accuracy is identical to Ogbonna, so the duo are clearly very similar players.
We would love to see Andersen signed this summer and if he is out of favour at parent club Lyon we could even get him on the cheap.
In other West Ham news, Pundit View: West Ham will get Balbuena decision overturned, officials must be dropped.