West Ham’s line-up if they sign Kalvin Phillips from Man City in the January transfer window will get the very best out of Lucas Paqueta.
West Ham are being heavily linked with a move for Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips in the January transfer window.
Hammers manager David Moyes does have a longstanding interest in Phillips stretching way back to the January 2022 window when he was still at Leeds.
West Ham made a £50m bid for Phillips back then which was rejected by Leeds, who went on to sell him for £5m less to Man City in the summer – as confirmed by Moyes himself.
Phillips links not as odd as they seem?
But on the face of it the potential move makes no 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.
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.
But a host of reputable sources have claimed the Hammers are genuinely interested in signing the 28-year-old.
West Ham’s line-up if they sign Phillips
So are West Ham simply looking to take the opportunity to upgrade their midfield with a homegrown player as they chase a top six spot?
Because West Ham’s line-up if they sign Phillips will get the very best out of Lucas Paqueta.
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 Mohammed Kudus to shine.
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.
So much better for Paqueta
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 is required to do a lot less tracking back and covering.
So, while to the casual Hammers observer the Phillips links might look odd, it could turn out to be exactly what West Ham need.
West Ham must undoubtedly sign another centre-back, full-back cover and eventually another forward.
And Moyes would face a dilemma over who to leave out for certain games between Soucek and Ward-Prowse. But signing Phillips could actually transform the side and the flow of West Ham’s play.
West Ham’s starting XI if they were to sign Phillips:
Areola, Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos or Aguerd, Emerson, Alvarez, Phillips, Ward-Prowse or Soucek, Paqueta, Kudus, Bowen.
READ ALSO
Guirassy makes his big decision amid links to West Ham and Newcastle.
West Ham captain Kurt Zouma posts 3-word message after Bristol debacle.
West Ham eye new striker target as sources claim contact made for wonderkid.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
