Pundit: West Ham ‘definitely’ looking to sign a left-back this summer
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
West Ham are “definitely” looking to sign a left-back this summer to provide competition for Aaron Cresswell, according to Frank McAvennie.
Cresswell has been the first-choice left-back at the club for several seasons now, with David Moyes relying on his set-piece delivery and reliability defensively as a rock at the back for the club.
But as he approaches his 33rd birthday later this year and following his two Europa League red cards last season, McAvennie says the Hammers must look to find him competition in the hope that he thrives on it and can get back to his best.
“I think you’ve got to get someone pushing him,” he told West Ham Zone. “Because he was about last year. After what he did in the first game in the [Europa] league, getting sent off, you can’t make that mistake twice.
“He’s come on leaps and bounds Cresswell, but they’re definitely looking, I would imagine, for a left-back.
“Whether it’s to replace Cresswell or to give him a kick up the backside to get him going.
“As I said about strikers, competition is wonderful in a football team. It’s an environment people thrive on when they’re up against someone. That brings the best out of people. It’s probably the only business in the world where people thrive on that kind of stuff and competition.
“I would bring in a left-back, a good one, and let Cresswell fight for his place.“
Moyes has reportedly got his eye on three potential targets with Hoffenheim’s David Raum the priority [ExWHUemployee, July 19], and Borna Sosa and Filip Kostic also considered as targets in case that deal can’t be done.