Why Roberto Gagliardini would be a smart signing for West Ham
According to reputed Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, West Ham have asked to sign Inter Milan midfielder Roberto Gagliardini on loan this month.
Roberto Gagliardini, 25, who operates as a central midfielder, has struggled to nail down a regular spot in the team under Antonio Conte this term. Although interrupted by injury issues, the Italian has managed only 784 minutes of football in Serie A so far this season.
He has also turned out for Conte’s side in the Champions League, completing the full 90 minutes in games against Slavia Prague and Borussia Dortmund.
West Ham have endured a torrid 2019/20 season so far, with the east London outfit currently 16th in the table. David Moyes has returned to the club, replacing Manuel Pellegrini at the helm of West Ham.
Moyes has a lot of work to do to improve the current Hammers squad and the January transfer window gives him the ideal opportunity to freshen things up.
The Hammers must address the area of concern at the earliest and that would be the central midfield unit. Declan Rice has played in every game so far without any back-up.
Carlos Sanchez has been out of favour, while Mark Noble has shown signs of ageing. Jack Wilshere is currently out injured and has yet to join the main group for a session with new manager Moyes.
In that regard, Roberto Gagliardini could be the solution to their midfield issues. His addition to the squad would definitely be a boost due to his qualities.
A versatile midfielder, the 25-year-old possesses a fantastic range of passing, which helps him dictate games from the middle of the park. He is strong in possession, energetic, intelligent and is a very hard worker off the ball.
As per WhoScored, Gagliardini has averaged 1.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 0.8 clearances and 0.4 blocks in the Serie A this season. With two goals, an assist and 0.8 key passes made, he has also contributed to Inter’s attacks.
He’s just the type of player the Hammers need as the Italian would complement the tough-tackling Rice in the engine room.
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In the video below, one can get a glimpse of the Inter midfielder’s style of play and the qualities he could bring to West Ham if a deal goes through.
Verdict
A tall, technically-proficient box-to-box midfielder, Gagliardini would undoubtedly strengthen West Ham’s midfield as well as bring competition in the squad. Thus, Moyes and co. must do everything possible to sign the Italy international on loan for the rest of the season.
