West Ham are really trying to sign a “special” star

Of Graham Potter downloaded on West Hamthey have played three times, conceding two goals in all three games, despite a positive shift in their approach away from possession.

Under Julen Lopetegui, the Hammers have often found themselves with huge gaps between their back line and their forward line when pressing, with the midfield often opting to sit in deeper areas due to their lack of athleticism.

Potter has clearly encouraged his side to apply man-to-man pressure when pressing in opposition goal kick scenarios, which requires extra mobility in the middle of the park to press effectively and cover the pitch.

So West Ham have been linked with a number of midfielders this month, and one man could be the perfect addition to Potter’s system in more ways than one.

West Ham are eyeing the Ligue 1 star

According to “senior” club source via Hammers NewsWest Ham have spoken to representatives of Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, who could be ready to battle for the England midfielder’s signature.

Tottenham are also said to be interested in the 24-year-old, with both clubs examining options for the midfielder, whose contract expires in the summer. However, it is the Irons who are ‘really pushing’ to get a deal done.

With his contract set to expire in a few months, this would allow teams to sign Gomes to a pre-contract this month on a free transfer in the summer, but could also open the door for Lille to accept a fee for him now, in order to extract a fee for the player rather than lose free for six months.

Gomes has he made 16 appearances for the French team this seasonscoring one goal, one assist and playing a total of 907 minutes so far.

How Gomes compares to Banzuzi

Another midfielder who is is being linked with a move to West Ham is Ezechiel Banzuzi from OH Leuven. He has he made 21 appearances this season in the Belgian Pro Leaguescoring one goal and adding five assists, but it’s obvious who would be a better signing for Potter and Co.

The 19-year-old, who is a 6ft 3 midfielder, possesses the added mobility and physicality needed to improve West Ham’s midfield, but with a lack of experience, it is likely to take the youngster some time to adapt, perhaps making some mistakes along the way to the pace and pace of the league.

As a result, Gomes would be a better addition for the Hammers here and now. Here’s how the duo compare.

Gomes would still bring the mobility needed in midfield, but is also an efficient duel winner, still winning 3.2 per 90, while winning 53.16% of his duels on the ground and 4.4 turnovers per game.

But he would also bring a controlling figure to Potter’s midfield, being a key progressor in the build-up, dropping in to play long passes, circulate play and provide line-breaking passes.

Since the manager took over at the London Stadium, the team has sought to be more direct in their approach, perhaps realizing that they lack the quality in midfield to receive the ball in tight spaces and play through the lines with more control, an addition such as Gomes would allow this, due to his “busy“nature, which always wants to pass and move, as Roy Keane labeled it.

If West Ham manage to sign both Banzuzi and Gomes, they would add a controller who can dictate the tempo of the game, while also adding mobility in the middle of the park, with a promising young and athletic profile in Banzuzi, which would massively improve the Hammers’ ability to cover ground in central areas.

Nevertheless, it is the “special” Gomes – as French manager Jocelyn Gourvennec called him – who would immediately enter the starting 11.