Oleksandr Zinchenko must be played in midfield if West Ham United sign him
David Moyes has to change Oleksandr Zinchenko’s to midfield should West Ham be successful in their pursuit of the Manchester City defender.
The Irons have been linked with the maestro by a club insider ExWHUemployee [June 2] for a potential summer move for the Ukraine international.
According to Claret & Hugh [June 6], the 25-year-old could set the Hammers back as much as £40million which is quite steep but given his quality and experience – is certainly worth it.
The dynamo won nine major honours during his time at the Etihad as well as being dubbed Ukrainian Footballer of the Year back in 2019.
There is no doubt his quality can be used within Moyes’ squad and his versatility means he can play several positions but the Scot should undoubtedly play him in midfield.
Most effective.
Pep Guardiola often plays players out of position. He is a football genius and can transform players to contribute to the team anywhere on the pitch which is exactly what the former Barcelona boss did with Zinchenko.
When the Ukrainian first came to England, he was a midfielder by trade – he even still plays in midfield for his national team.
The Cityzens defender is undoubtedly at his best when he is given the freedom to play in midfield. That is his original position and his performances when playing show that he prefers playing in midfield and Moyes must grant him that.
He may not have lightning pace but his quality on the ball is second to none – passing, dribbling, controlling the game – he does it all in the middle of the park but can be left somewhat isolated at times at left-back.
The swap in position has done him a lot of favours though. Zinchenko essentially has two favoured positions which West Ham could certainly use.
His versatility is a huge bonus for the Hammers who need to cover as many bases as possible ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
In other West Ham news, a key West Ham man has humiliated himself with a series of off the mark rants
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