Aaron Cresswell’s new five-year deal at Upton Park was warmly welcomed by Hammers fans around the country, but with left-back legend, Julian Dicks, arriving on the first-team scene, just how good can Cresswell become?
The West Ham revamp took a while to get underway, but new signings are arriving, new kits are being unveiled and Slaven Bilic’s reign is exciting the faithful who have begged for a return to the ‘West Ham way’. Part of that overhaul is the staff that will support Bilic in managing the side, and new backroom staff member, Julian Dicks could be about to push one particular player into the England squad.
Dicks’ employment alongside new boss Slaven was a popular choice among Irons fans, and a new five-year deal for their favourite left-back, Aaron Cresswell was equally greeted with open arms and a round of applause. The Dicks-Cresswell combination could see a similar blossoming as the Teddy Sheringham-effect that brought the best out of Diafra Sakho last season.
Cresswell has already established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet after a prolific first campaign at West Ham; playing every minute of the season and taking home a hat-trick of trophies at the end-of-season awards presentation. The 24 year-old’s first season in the Premier League saw him offer an outlet on the left-wing in Hammers attacks, while proving he was more than able to hold his own in the face of the world’s best playmakers. His sumptuous free-kick against Stoke City in front of the home support hailed support for an England call, and reminded fans of one famous name to have graced the Upton Park turf; The Terminator himself.`
Dicks has already familiarised himself with the skills needed to oversee players’ development, spending last season in charge of the Ladies first team. Now though, he turns his attentions to the senior squad and his experience could prove particularly beneficial to Cresswell’s young talent. Specifically, he might be able to inject a certain amount of grit that helped him make his name at the Boleyn; something that arguably needs to be added to Cresswell’s arsenal.
Whether Dicks will mould Aaron in his own image or simply give him a push in the right direction, the preparations for the new season are a thrilling prospect for West Ham fans, but only seeds are being planted for now; the steer away from Big Sam’s efficient approach must be gradual.
