Jamie Carragher doesn’t agree with Gary Neville’s interesting observation about West Ham

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Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher were discussing West Ham’s central midfield three on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football (Monday February 24th, 19:45), and disagreed at how strong they are in that particular department.

The Hammers impressed on Monday night against Liverpool, but Neville suggested that he is concerned by their ability to play through the middle of the pitch:

“Out of Noble, Rice and Soucek, which of those three are going to receive the ball on the half turn and pop passes into the pockets. Get into combinations and set things up for their teammates.”

Carragher didn’t agree with Neville’s observation, however:

“Let’s not think just because where West Ham are in the league they haven’t got quality. The actual personnel they’ve got at the top of the pitch, they shouldn’t be in this position. So it’s when the midfield three get possession in midfield, even if you lose the ball sometimes, actually take responsibility and play the ball forward.”

Neville retorted:

“They’ve not got it in them, they haven’t got it in them to do it. They can’t do it.”

And Carragher had the final say:

“You’re saying they haven’t got it in them but Declan Rice is a young player and he needs to add that to his game if he is going to get to the next level, and I think he is capable of reaching the next level.”

Tomas Soucek’s injury is a real concern

The Czech ace has been ruled out for around three weeks, so Roberto Snodgrass will probably slot into central midfield alongside Declan Rice and Mark Noble.

The main worry is that there will be absolutely no pace and not much energy in the side with those three players.

In the summer, West Ham must surely look to add another top class central midfielder to their ranks.

The Hammers need someone who is not only energetic and dynamic, but someone who can also create and make a difference in the final third.

And obviously that won’t come cheap.

Much will depend on whether West Ham manage to avoid relegation this season or not. If they do remain in the top flight, they will have the funds and the ability to attract an elite midfielder.

David Moyes will be hoping that he has enough in the middle of the park, however, to guide his side to safety this season.