An astonishing Flynn Downes graphic shows West Ham United are close to signing one of the best young CMs around.
In something of a bolt from the blue yesterday, David Moyes rapidly closed on the signing of West Ham supporting midfield ace Downes from Swansea City (The Athletic).
Downes is said to be having the second part of his medical today ahead of a £12m move.
Former Ipswich Town star Downes bears striking similarities to retired Hammers skipper Mark Noble.
So it is fitting that West Ham are looking to replace Noble with 23-year-old Brentwood-born Downes.
The midfielder has also been compared favourably to West Ham talisman Declan Rice – who he could well be partnering next season.
West Ham seem to have moved refreshingly quickly towards sealing the move for Downes.
The player will be something of an unknown quantity for many West Ham fans.
But an astonishing Downes graphic shows West Ham are close to signing one of the best young CMs around.
Downes is a tiger-ish midfielder with a great engine and agility who is technically very good on the ball.
He is regarded as one of the top young defensive midfield talents and passers of the ball in the country.
And it is easy to see why when you take one look at this graphic by @ForseeaBall.
Downes is among the best in the country, in any division, for breaking up play and passing.
He ranks well above the Championship average in a host of key areas.
The imminent West Ham signing has 93% progressive runs, 97% forward passing success, a remarkable 99% possession adjusted interceptions.
The graphic shows Downes is also at 95% for passes, 95% for passing accuracy and 95% passes into the final third success.
West Ham’s prospective arrival also has 84% for passes to penalty area success, a statistic that will likely delight Michail Antonio.
Downes also ranks above 80% in a host of areas including offensive dual success.
West Ham are getting one of the best young CMs around and this brilliant graphic proves it.
Players like Downes are exactly the kind of signings West Ham should be making and fit perfectly with Moyes’ preferred Red Bull model of recruitment.
MORE WEST HAM NEWS
Insider verdict on rumours of shock Villa move for £50m West Ham star.
West Ham deny rumours that new arrival was a David Sullivan move.
Everton no match for West Ham in race for striker as deal talks prove.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
