Euro football expert says West Ham are about to become ‘horrible’ to play against

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A European football expert says an imminent West Ham United signing is to make them a ‘horrible’ team to play against.

West Ham are said to be on the verge of completing the loan signing of midfielder Kalvin Phillips from Man City.

It was claimed yesterday that Phillips is ‘happy’ to join West Ham and the deal will be announced ‘shortly’.

But some Hammers fans have questioned whether they need him.

On the face of it the allegedly imminent move makes little sense for West Ham or Phillips, who is looking to play week in, week out to keep his England spot for the Euros.

Central midfield is probably the lowest priority position West Ham need to strengthen this month.

Euro football expert backs Phillips move

And there is an argument that Phillips might only find himself on the bench at West Ham just as he does at Manchester City. Because he would not get into the side ahead of Edson Alvarez while James Ward-Prowse brings more to the table with his free-kicks as does Tomas Soucek in terms of a goal threat.

Last week we argued that the signing of Phillips could actually be a masterstroke from West Ham boss David Moyes.

Because West Ham’s line-up if they sign Phillips will get the very best out of Lucas Paqueta and free up Mohammed Kudus too.

A midfield three of Alvarez, Phillips and Ward-Prowse or Soucek would give West Ham a ridiculously solid central platform for their stunning Holy Trinity of Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Kudus to shine.

West Ham about to become ‘horrible’ to play against

Moyes has bemoaned having to play Paqueta out of position on the left. It’s easy to see why. The Brazilian magnifico links so well with Emerson. But in that role at present he has to do so much dogged defensive work when he should be up the other end of the pitch making and scoring goals.

Well that’s what Phillips would unlock.

Not to mention giving the flexibility of playing Alvarez at centre-back if ever needed.

There has been an interesting take on the transfer from Sky Sports football analyst Dougie Critchley.

The Euro football expert says West Ham are about to become ‘horrible’ to play against.

Critchley believes the Hammers will now have every single base covered.

‘They’d have every base covered’

“Edson Álvarez, Tomáš Souček, James Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paquetá and potentially Kalvin Phillips,” Critchley said.

“West Ham could soon be absolutely horrible to play against.

“They’d have every base covered in that midfield!”

We make Critchley spot on here.

Alvarez and Phillips would cover across for the full-backs and offer a brilliant shield for the centre-backs. Phillips is great in possession with a superb passing range.

That would free up Ward-Prowse or Soucek to play slightly further forward – where both are infinitely more effective.

It would also mean Paqueta and Kudus are required to do a lot less tracking back and covering.

So, while the casual Hammers observer may think the move for Phillips is unnecessary, it could turn out to be the making of this West Ham side.

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