da casino： West Ham surprised a lot of people last season.
da doce： Club records for the Premier League were broken and bettered, unbeatable foes were beaten and all in the final season at the Boleyn Ground and Slaven Bilic’s first year in charge.
Whilst the forward line coughed and spluttered and the defence was caught out at times, West Ham’s most successful area on the pitch remained the midfield.
Under the captaincy of Mark Noble, the Hammers purred seamlessly in the middle of the park. Cheikhou Kouyate took on an enforcer type role as the muscle ahead of the dogged and persistent Noble, Obiang made a stylish impression when called upon, while ahead of them stood the potent attacking force of Payet and Lanzini.
But with Bilic recruiting again in midfield, what could the Hammers’ dream midfield look like? Let’s take a look…
Håvard Nordtveit
The first signing for next season will replace the departed Alex Song as the defensive midfielder.
The Norwegian may also keep Pedro Obiang on the sidelines, but the free transfer from Monchengladbach has a pedigree. He consistent passing rates of 83% in the Bundesliga and also brings European experience having played in the Champions League.
Often operating as the deepest of the central midfielders in an attack-minded 4-4-2 formation for Gladbach, he has proven himself to be a strong and disciplined defensive force, one that offers solid protection for the back four.
His versatility and ability to operate in a number of positions is one of the main reasons why Bilic signed him.
Mark Noble
Noble had his best season in the claret and blue last year.
He rose to the occasion of being given the captaincy and guided the team in it’s historic season with performances that should have been recognised at international level.
His industry and presence, and not to mention his goals, ensured West Ham had what it takes to compete with the high and mighty.
His unerring accuracy of his passing is his outstanding feature. He sets the tempo of the game and is involved in all areas of the pitch and isn’t afraid to put in a tackle. He is the definitive captain.
Cheikhou Kouyate
Signed by Sam Allardyce from Anderlecht two years ago, the Senegalese has become a vital cog in the Hammers’ midfield.
When called upon, the 26-year-old has covered defensive positions as well, but it is his energy and fierce determination in the middle of the park that sets him apart.
Kouyate is firmly a fans favourite and was rewarded for his terrific season with a new contract.
Dimitri Payet
There are not enough superlatives to even begin to describe the Frenchman.
With his current displays in France this summer showing all of Europe what he does week in and week out for the Hammers, the 29-year-old is now a claret and blue treasure.
From no where to the top European stage inside 12 months, Payet is fast becoming a legend with his edge of the seat skills, his wondrous free-kicks and his all round game that is just scintillating.
There’s always a place for the great Frenchman.
Georgino Wijnaldum
The Newcastle man was probably the only signing that made any impact on the Premier League for the Magpies, but as the second half of the season deteriorated, so did the Dutchman.
However, before that, Wijnaldum did enough to impress most following his £14m move from PSV.
Playing either centrally or to the left in Midfield, the Dutch international also has an eye for goal and, fortunately for West Ham, has made it known that he wants to leave St James’ Park this summer.