The breaking story at the Transfer Tavern yesterday was the news that the Argentine striker Jonathan Calleri had finally agreed West Ham United. The bar staff here at the Tavern have spent the last few hours trying to piece together how he might fit into the side this season…
The only senior out and out striker other than Calleri at West Ham currently is Andy Carroll. The forward has had his first full pre-season in several years but still looked rather isolated up top in the Hammers opener at Stamford Bridge.
So with this latest addition could he be the perfect partner for the tall Geordie striker? Or is he better suited as a solo striker?
With a new stadium and several big new names at West Ham this summer, our Landlord reckons that the 2016/17 season could be the most successful season yet for The Hammers.
Calleri will no doubt have been brought in to provide competition up top, and if he plays his cards right; he could just find himself leading the West Ham line this season…
We’ve worked with our punters today to build what we think is the best side Slaven Bilic could pick to bring the best out of Calleri this year – West Ham fans; are you a fan of this side?
GK – Darren Randolph
This was a controversial one in the Tavern, but after a quick vote; we’ve decided to go for Darren Randolph in goal.
A reliable keeper when called upon last season, combined with an impressive display at Euro 2016 were key factors in picking Randolph here..
The Irish keeper has looked good in recent years, and deserves an opportunity at number one for The Irons.
RB – Sam Byram
West Ham have been trying to convert Michail Antonio into a right-back – but our punters reckon he is much better suited to a more advanced role.
After Antonio’s shocker on the opening day against Chelsea, Sam Byram looks set to be given a chance on the right hand side of the West Ham defence.
Byram is still young, but he looks very promising and should be given a chance to impress this season.
CB – James Collins
The Welsh International is a fan favorite and has been a solid performer in his two spells with the Irons.
The center-back position is a tough call with there being a few options but the 31-year-old is a cert in any successful West Ham team under Bilic.
CB – Angelo Ogbonna
The Italian has showed the passion that the West Ham faithful love to see and with solid performances last term, and as a result he duly deserves this spot.
Always reliable and a huge hit with the punters here in the Tavern; he will be one of the first names on the team sheet this season.
LB – Aaron Cresswell
Aaron Cresswell has been a revelation since joining West Ham, and looks set to continue on the left hand side of The Hammers’ defence.
Though prone to injury occasionally, there are few better left back’s in the Premier League, and when fit he will always be first choice in that role.
CDM – Cheikhou Kouyate
An easy choice.
Though he will be playing deeper than he likes, our punters are convinced that Kouyate can do a job in here.
He can bring the best of anyone that plays ahead of him, with an excellent eye for a pass and a threatening dribbling style.
He’ll no doubt prove a success playing deeper behind Calleri up top.
CDM – Mark Noble
You can’t pick a West Ham side without Mark Noble.
The captain seems to get better year on year, and you can always rely on him to put in a performance.
With West Ham’s side relatively inexperienced at the highest level, Noble’s team mates will look at the English midfielder for guidance as he looks to lead his team to another successful season.
LW – Sofiane Feghouli
The creative Algerian winger is an expert out wide, and will be particularly good to watch when playing alongside Jonathan Calleri.
He will look to bomb down the wing and fire balls across goal in the hope that Calleri will get on to the end of them, and they will no doubt form a deadly partnership as the year goes on.
Able to play across the attacking line, he could prove imperative for Slaven Bilic’s men this season.
CAM – Manuel Lanzini
The Argentine may be injured at the moment but when fit there will be no doubt of his inclusion in the starting XI for West Ham.
After an impressive first season on-loan he was signed permanently by Bilic after a stand out season in England.
He is of the same nationality as Calleri, which could prove pivotal not only on the pitch, but also as the young attacker adapts to life in England at a new club.
Expect a deadly partnership to form between these two.
RW – Dimitri Payet
What needs to be said about Dimitri Payet?
One of the best players in the Premier League last season; West Ham have done very well to hold on to him over the summer – and he will likely reward their faith with yet another stellar season.
He could be the difference maker as West Ham bid for European football this season, and he will no doubt continue to provide mouth-watering balls forward to whoever stars as his number 9.
ST – Jonathan Calleri
We feel the solo role best suites the new Argentine; with the trio of Payet, Feghouli and Lanzini playing in behind him.
This will allow him more space to work with the ball at his feet and the Hammers can pass and play more attractive football rather than a more direct approach they may take if Carroll is also on the pitch.
This selection leaves the likes of record signing Andre Ayew, Gokhan Tore and Andy Carroll among the subs. It is a brave call but this team would give the 22-year-old the best chance to succeed with West Ham this season.
