Ahead of West Ham’s clash with London rivals Crystal Palace, Eberechi Eze is a name gracing the lips of many a-Londoner and pundits alike.
The technically-gifted attacking midfielder, who operates more in a left-wing role for Palace, has received high praise for his performances this season.
Despite operating in a deeper and more defensively orientated left-wing role, the player has notched up a goal and two assists to his name this season, notably whipping in a cross that sealed a hard-earned point for the Eagles against league leaders Spurs.
As it was parried weakly by Hugo Lloris, the cross was not counted formally as an assist – though its incision is indicative of what the former Hammers target could do.
However, his dribbling and technical prowess is the backbone of his talent – though West Ham fans themselves were at one point looking at the possibility of seeing the former Queen’s Park Rangers man in claret and blue.
David Moyes has since revealed the many difficulties faced by the club when pursuing their interest in then-QPR ace Eze, who signed for Palace for £16 million (rising to £20 million with add-ons) before the Hammers could formally seal a deal.
“I think the timing for Eze, we didn’t have the finances at the time to go for Eze when that deal was becoming available.
“Things only changed for us late in the window as far as finances went really because we had other priorities like we were trying to get a central defender in, we were looking at a full-back at the time as well.
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Whilst missing out on Eze to the benefit of Palace is a double blow for the Hammers, the signing of Said Benrahma can counteract that.
Both coming out of the Championship, the Algerian winger possesses many similar attributes, especially where technical ability is concerned.
Expect both players to become rising talismanic figures at their clubs.
