Why William Carvalho would be a good fit at West Ham

Back in 2017, a report from the Sky Sports had claimed West Ham were very close to signing William Carvalho, who was then playing for Sporting Lisbon. However, a deal didn’t go through in the end and he had to stay put at Sporting Lisbon then.

A product of the Sporting Lisbon academy, William Carvalho, 27, broke into the senior team in 2013-14 season. He was a consistent performer at the heart of Sporting’s midfield, impressing with his tenacious tackling and passing ability.

Last year, the Portuguese international and several of his teammates, including coaches, were injured following an attack by around 50 supporters of Sporting at the club’s training ground after the team finished third in the league and missed out on qualification to the UEFA Champions League.

He eventually did leave the Estadio Jose Alvalade and it was to join Real Betis in Spain in 2018.

Having enjoyed a solid debut season with Real Betis, West Ham should revive their interest in William Carvalho when the transfer window reopens.

Declan Rice has nailed down his position in the West Ham midfield since last season. Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez have struggled to get into Manuel Pellegrini’s team due to inconsistency and injury problems. Marko Noble has been an influential figure for the Hammers and while he is currently available for selection, he should be selected.

However, the issue of Noble coming to the end of his career is something Pellegrini seriously needs to address sooner rather than later. And a player in the ilk of William Carvalho would be a solid replacement for the ageing Hammers skipper.

William is a dominant holding midfielder, who likes to impose his presence in the middle of the park. The 27-year-old is also a physically astute midfielder and an excellent tackler, offering his team’s defence extensive protection. Confident in possession and happy to hold on to the ball, the Angolan-born star can defence into attack with his passing range.

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The Portuguese international loves to drop in between the defenders to dictate play when his side are on top and is a tireless customer in the middle of the park, constantly looking to break up possession and win the ball back.

West Ham have Rice, who does a similar job week in and week out, but William offers a lot more at both ends of the field and is a player that will definitely improve Pellegrini’s squad.

Verdict

William has settled well at Betis but West Ham should test the La Liga club’s resolve with an audacious bid in January. If the Hammers do manage to land the defensive midfielder, it will prove to be a significant piece of business.