West Ham manager David Moyes has reiterated his considered approach to rebuilding the Hammers’ squad and outlined how he also feels he can get the best out of Jesse Lingard.
Calling for patience for the England international, Moyes was clear on his belief in the 28-year-old’s versatility and even claimed he could deputise to Michail Antonio as a false nine.
Lingard has been offered a new lease of life at the London Stadium, having fallen down the pecking order considerably at Old Trafford. The attacking midfielder, who is also adept out wide, has been restricted to just three appearances this season.
He has also found himself excluded from Gareth Southgate’s England setup as a consequence; although he will hope that, with exposure and trust at West Ham, he could force his way back into Southgate’s thinking ahead of Euro 2020 in the summer.
Moyes was optimistic and honest in his approach when discussing the merits of Lingardm saying:
Jesse can play from the left, from the right or play as a 10. He played for England as a midfield player at times as an eight. I think if I had to, I could play him as a false nine if I needed, the way Manchester City have played quite often with no centre forwards.
There’s been very little business done in terms of centre forwards because of availability, so I think Jesse can do all those jobs if required. It will take a little bit of time to settle, so let’s give him a chance but he will help us with our creativity.
I couldn’t really say what went wrong for him at Manchester United but when he played for England he was energetic, he always had energy and it wasn’t too long ago he was part of the England squad. Hopefully he can come and show some of that.
He’s 28 so still young, he’s got a young body and a young mind. Hopefully we can get the best out of him.
The recruitment is changing. I want to breed a new West Ham and that has to be that we do things correctly.
We want to bring in more Tomas Souceks, more Vladimir Coufals because of their hunger and appetite. We are trying not to spend excessive money like we have in the past.
Lingard was West Ham’s only major piece of business in January, although Said Benrahma’s Brentford loan was made permanent to free up a domestic loan slot to accommodate Lingard’s arrival.
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Given the lack of a striker arriving in the January transfer window, Lingard’s possible utilisation as a false nine is a necessity for Moyes.
It may be a hint of things to come at West Ham as they look to maintain form without depth up front.
