West Ham opinion: Should the Hammers make a move for Youcef Atal?

West Ham did spend smartly over the summer, but a few of the additions have failed to make an impact this season. Jack Wilshere has been stuck to the physio’s bed for a large part of the season and the addition of a 33-year-old Carlos Sanchez hasn’t helped. Moreover, their situation at right-back is dire.

The addition of Ryan Fredericks has helped ease the transition from veteran Pablo Zabaleta but the former Fulham star has struggled since his move. While the 26-year-old is talented and his ability has shone on certain occasions, it has been an uphill climb more often than not.

That along with their issues up front is something that manager Manuel Pellegrini needs to keep an eye on in the summer. However, given their issues, finding someone affordable and worthy is easier said than done, but one man they can consider is Youcef Atal.

A proven star for Ligue 1 side OGC Nice, the 22-year-old has been impeccably brilliant for the Ligue 1 side. That’s exactly why Tottenham were linked with a move in January (Guardian) but no move materialised.

Just 22 years old, the Algerian has a very bright future ahead of him but it’s his versatility more than anything else that should see West Ham make a move. Capable of playing as a full-back or as a wing-back on either side, Atal is a combination of deadly speed and unyielding will.

Furthermore, the Algerian is surprisingly composed in front of goal and very creative in the final third. While that is to be expected by a modern full-back, Youcef Atal goes above and beyond what a standard modern full-back has.

That is a lethal combination as witnessed from Benjamin Mendy’s rise and for West Ham, it’s just what they need. Ever since Pablo Zabaleta’s fall from grace, the Hammers have lacked a marauding full-back.

While the former Manchester City man is a solid defender, his ageing knees stop him from venturing too far forward.

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Conclusion

While Fredricks has tried to make up the difference, there is only so much the former Fulham star can do. Furthermore, West Ham, by appointing Manuel Pellegrini, have very high chances of a good future and adding someone as talented as Youcef Atal will help them achieve that.