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Two Positions West Ham United Should Strengthen In January

West Ham's Slaven Bilic

The summer was full of optimism for West Ham fans. They had performed reasonably well the season before and they were moving into their new Stadium at the Olympic park. They also signed 13 first team players to add to their squad.

However, the season has started poorly for them and it leaves the question of whether they need further reinforcements in the January window. Here are two areas in which they can improve.

Defence

In the summer, West Ham sold James Tompkins to London rivals Crystal Palace and failed to sign a replacement for the central defender. However, this could now be seen as a bit of a mistake, especially as Bilic seems to be favouring a 3 at the back formation and has been playing Kouyate in defence alongside Reid and Ogbonna.

They also have James Collins and Reece Oxford in their ranks, but the drop in quality between Reid & Ogbonna to these two is quite significant – as shown by Bilic favouring playing midfielder Kouyate in defence.

Should West Ham pick up any injuries or suspensions for these two, it could be quite troubling and may result in him not being able to play his favoured formation.

One problem is that central defenders are currently a bit of a commodity in the transfer market, with high fee’s being paid and offered for high-quality players. If West Ham are to improve this area, they must work smartly.

Image result for west ham signings 16/17

Striker

West Ham have an abundance of strikers, this is true. Currently, they have Sakho (injured), Carroll (Injured), Fletcher, Ayew, Zaza, Calleri.

In recent weeks though, Bilic has resorted to playing Michail Antonio in the centre forward position, given the failure of Fletcher, Zaza and Calleri to step up and fill the void of the injured strikers that recently included £20million summer signing Ayew.

It is looking likely that Fletcher will be loaned out in the January window with a number of Championship clubs linked. And it is fair to say that loan signings Zaza and Calleri don’t look like they will make the grade so it won’t be a surprise to see their loan deals terminated.

Andy Carroll is a big weapon for West Ham when he is fit, but therein lies the problem. He is rarely fit. Unfortunately for West Ham fans, the big target man has been plagued with injuries that have curtailed his West Ham career.

Meanwhile, Ayew is probably more of a wide forward than a number 9 and is unlikely to solve the club’s injury and the quality crisis in this position.

Signing a striker to score you goals is far from easy, but this should be West Hams main priority this January. They would have Payet and Lanzini, two brilliant creators playing alongside them, so a prolific marksman would have plenty of chances created for them.