Why West Ham are wise to hand Aaron Cresswell a new contract

According to a report from the BBC, West Ham United left-back Aaron Cresswell has signed a new contract until the summer of 2023.

Aaron Cresswell, 29, is the Hammers’ third longest-serving player, behind captain Mark Noble and Winston Reid, having made 184 appearances for the club. He becomes the fourth player to sign a new deal with West Ham this season, following Manuel Lanzini, Arthur Masuaku and Robert Snodgrass.

The Liverpool-born defender has delivered some decent performances for the Hammers since signing from Ipswich Town back in 2014. But he has struggled due to inconsistency, with injuries playing a major role in not helping him fulfil his true potential at the London Stadium.

Cresswell started this season in utterly poor fashion and he was dropped after West ham’s opening day 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City. He regained his place against Manchester United at the London Stadium, however, after Arthur Masuaku was handed a one-game suspension having been sent-off against Aston Villa. And he hasn’t seen back since the game against Manchester United.

The 29-year-old scored a fantastic free-kick in the 2-0 victory over United before netting in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. At the same time, he has also defended well to keep Masuaku at bay.

By tying up Masuaku and Cresswell to long-term deals, West Ham’s left-back area appears secured now. Healthy competition is exactly needed at every club and Manuel Pellegrini has done a good job by handing the defenders new deals.

Cresswell is known to be decent with his passing from the back and Manuel Pellegrini wants his side to play out from the defence. He may not be a good dribbler and possess pace like Masuaku but he is a better defender than the Congolese. Furthermore, the 29-year-old is also a set-piece expert and a threat from indirect dead-ball situations.

Verdict

At the age of 29, the England international is operating at the peak of his career and it would be great for West Ham to have him on their books for the next few years. Creswell has been in fine form over the past few games and seems to be well-deserving of his new contract.